The entertainment PR industry in DACH is vibrant and multifaceted, involving media companies, marketing agencies, and technology firms that shape how stories are told and brands connect with audiences. This sector not only coordinates promotional activities for films, music, and fashion but also strategizes digital campaigns across social platforms. Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on data-driven approaches and influencer engagements, reflecting consumers’ evolving media consumption habits. Social responsibility and sustainability are becoming central themes, prompting companies to adopt ethical practices while the rapid digitization of content continues to drive innovation in everything from tools to distribution channels.


The list features 16 notable investors from the DACH region, comprising corporate firms, venture capitalists, and private equity players. Spanning locations such as Berlin and Hamburg, these entities vary in size, with some boasting employee counts surpassing 10,000. Founded between 1833 and 2019, the firms have collectively made significant strides in 2024, registering a total of 41 investments across different segments of the entertainment sector. From strategic acquisitions by established corporations like Axel Springer to grassroots support for startups from venture capitalists like IBB Ventures, these players are shaping the future of entertainment PR in the region.


Top 16 Entertainment PR Investors in DACH


1. Bauer Media Group

  • Website: bauermedia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1875
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bauer-media-group

Bauer Media Group is a corporate investor based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1875. The company specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a diverse range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bauer Media serves millions of consumers and businesses across Europe. In recent years, the company has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its footprint in the entertainment sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Celador Radio Broadcasting in 2019, which expanded their radio broadcasting capabilities, and the acquisition of Pacific Magazines, approved in 2020 for $40 million, which strengthens their publishing portfolio. In 2024, Bauer Media also acquired Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland, further solidifying their presence in the youth entertainment market. These transactions reflect Bauer Media's commitment to enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services, making them a relevant player in the entertainment PR industry.


2. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer has made significant investments in the entertainment and digital media space, including leading a $16.2 million Series D funding round for NowThis, a video news startup that targets a young audience with engaging video content. Additionally, Axel Springer participated in funding rounds for Group Nine Media, a digital media company known for its focus on storytelling and entertainment, which has raised substantial capital to expand its content and commerce divisions. The acquisition of GRB Studios further highlights Axel Springer's strategic interest in the entertainment industry, making it a relevant player in the entertainment PR landscape.


3. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

  • Website: eventim.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cts-eventim-ag

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA, founded in 1999 and based in Bremen, Germany, is a leading ticketing service and event promotion company. The firm specializes in providing ticketing solutions for concerts and festivals, catering to both consumers seeking live entertainment and businesses in the event industry looking for promotional services. CTS EVENTIM operates a digital platform for ticket sales and collaborates with various promoters across multiple countries. Notably, the company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in DreamHaus GmbH, a Berlin-based concert promoter, which enhances its influence in the European festival market. Additionally, CTS EVENTIM acquired Talent Concert International, a prominent Russian tour promoter, and Vertigo, an Italian concert promoter, further expanding its international reach. These transactions underscore CTS EVENTIM's commitment to the live entertainment industry and its role in promoting events, making it a relevant player in the entertainment PR landscape.


4. Bmg


Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2005. BMG operates as a music publishing and record label company, providing services in music publishing and rights management. The company is dedicated to supporting artists and songwriters in promoting and distributing their music, ensuring they receive fair compensation. BMG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the music industry, including the acquisition of AXS Music, an independent French production music company, to bolster its music licensing capabilities. Additionally, BMG acquired Nashville's BBR Music Group, which includes multiple record labels and a music publishing company, marking its return to the Nashville music scene. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of S-Curve Records, Skint Records, and the entire recorded catalogue of Mötley Crüe. These transactions highlight BMG's commitment to expanding its portfolio and influence in the music sector, which is closely tied to entertainment public relations.


5. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Moviepilot, a platform that aids users in discovering and recommending movies, securing $7 million in a Series B funding round. This investment highlights their engagement in the entertainment sector. Additionally, they have backed blogfoster, a startup that focuses on blog and influencer marketing, which is closely tied to entertainment PR. These investments illustrate IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies within the entertainment and PR landscape.


6. W ventures

  • Website: wventures.jp
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn:

W Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups and established businesses across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on accelerating digital business ideas from seed to growth. They offer expertise in strategy consulting, financial management, and project development. Notably, W Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions, including Utaite, which raised $6,464,020 in Series A funding in April 2024, indicating a strong interest in digital entertainment platforms. Other relevant transactions include Gatari, which raised $952,299 in Series A funding in February 2021, and Fogg Japan, which raised $2,098,636 in September 2024. These investments suggest that W Ventures is actively engaging with companies that may intersect with the entertainment PR industry, enhancing their profile as a relevant investor in this space.


7. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their services include consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Project A has been involved in several notable transactions that align with the entertainment sector, such as their investment in Popdust, which raised $4.5M to expand its editorial efforts, and Electronic Theatre, which secured £8.6 million to develop technology platforms for entertainment experiences. These investments highlight Project A's engagement with companies that contribute to the entertainment landscape, despite their broader focus on technology.


8. Media Ventures

  • Website: mediaventures.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 1-10

Media Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups and growth-stage companies across various industries, including media and entertainment. Notably, Media Ventures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the entertainment sector, such as their investment in Make.TV, a company focused on video streaming technology, which raised funds in both 2013 and 2014. Additionally, they invested in Media Baby, which raised $350,000 in a seed round in August 2023, indicating their ongoing interest in media-related ventures. They also acquired E2Ma GmbH, a company that may have connections to media services, further showcasing their commitment to the media landscape. Overall, Media Ventures leverages its extensive network and expertise in investment management to help entrepreneurs develop their business models and gain access to markets, particularly in the media and entertainment sectors.


9. Barclays Consumer Bank Europe


Barclays Consumer Bank Europe is a corporate investor based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991. As a financial services company, it offers a variety of products including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, primarily catering to individual consumers. The bank operates through an online platform and mobile app, providing flexible financial solutions for managing spending and savings. In recent years, Barclays has engaged in significant transactions within the entertainment sector, such as providing post-IPO debt financing to M&C Saatchi, a leading advertising agency, which raised over $66 million in June 2021, and Everyman Media Group, which secured approximately $44.5 million in August 2023. Additionally, Barclays participated in financing XP Factory, which raised around $13 million in October 2024. These transactions highlight Barclays' active role in supporting companies within the entertainment industry, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this space.


10. Ringier

  • Website: ringier.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1833
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: ringier

Ringier AG is a prominent media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates across various fields, including media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions. Ringier serves both consumers seeking news and entertainment and businesses looking for advertising and marketplace services. The company has made significant strides in the entertainment sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2020, Ringier acquired Swisscom's 50% stake in Admeira AG, becoming the sole owner of the marketing company, which focuses on TV advertising—a key area in entertainment PR. In 2021, Ringier expanded its sports media presence by acquiring a majority stake in the Bulgarian Sportal Media Group, further solidifying its role in the entertainment landscape. Additionally, the acquisition of Ghafla Kenya, a popular blog, showcases Ringier's commitment to diversifying its media portfolio and reaching new audiences. With a diverse array of brands and a significant role in the media landscape across Europe and Africa, Ringier is well-positioned as an investor in the entertainment PR industry.


11. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a global media, services, and education company based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, the company operates across various sectors, including television, streaming, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the entertainment industry, such as acquiring Element Pictures in May 2022, which is known for its film production capabilities. Additionally, their investment in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. allows them to tap into the Japanese market, enhancing their content offerings. These transactions highlight Bertelsmann's commitment to expanding its influence in the entertainment sector, making it a relevant player in entertainment PR.


12. Hubert Burda Media

  • Website: burda.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1903
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: hubert-burda-media

Hubert Burda Media is a prominent media and technology company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. With over 10,000 employees, the company specializes in publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms, serving both consumers and businesses. They have made significant investments in digital technology and media, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Notably, Hubert Burda Media acquired Immediate Media Co. in January 2017, a leading publisher in the UK known for its special interest content, including the triathlon magazine 220 Triathlon, which engages over 19 million consumers monthly. This acquisition highlights their commitment to content that resonates with audiences, a key aspect of entertainment PR. Additionally, their acquisition of StockFood in June 2016 further demonstrates their investment in content creation, particularly in the food and lifestyle sectors, which can also intersect with entertainment. Overall, Hubert Burda Media's diverse portfolio and focus on engaging content position them as a relevant player in the entertainment PR landscape.


13. EMH Partners

  • Website: emh.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: emhpartners

EMH Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in growth capital for technology businesses, primarily focusing on providing strategic capital and expertise to fast-growing companies in Europe, particularly in the DACH region. In 2019, EMH Partners acquired a majority stake in AVANTGARDE Gesellschaft für Kommunikation, a company that generated revenues of over €80 million in 2018, indicating its significant role in the communication and marketing sector. This acquisition suggests that EMH Partners is interested in companies that may engage in public relations activities, including those related to entertainment. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like LIGANOVA and Smarketer, although these transactions are less directly related to entertainment PR. Overall, EMH Partners combines a focus on technology with strategic investments in communication firms, positioning them as a potential player in the entertainment PR landscape.


14. Swisscom

  • Website: swisscom.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ittigen, Bern, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: swisscom

Swisscom AG is a telecommunications provider based in Switzerland, founded in 1998. The company offers a range of services including mobile communication, broadband internet, and television, serving both individual consumers and businesses. Notably, Swisscom has made significant acquisitions that align with the entertainment industry, such as the acquisition of CT Cinetrade in 2004, which is involved in film distribution and production. In 2014, Swisscom acquired Publigroupe S.A., a company that operates in media and advertising, further indicating its engagement in sectors that overlap with entertainment public relations. Additionally, the acquisition of Antenna Hungaria in 2005 expanded its broadcasting capabilities, enhancing its presence in the media landscape.


15. Tiburon


Tiburon is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments in innovative startups within the digital sector, providing not only financial support but also strategic advice and access to a valuable network. Their investment focus includes areas such as media, mobile, FinTech, and SaaS. Notably, Tiburon invested in Promipool in May 2015, a platform that delivers entertainment news and celebrity content, which directly ties them to the entertainment industry. Additionally, they invested in SceneThink in June 2018, which, while not strictly entertainment-focused, operates within the media landscape. These transactions highlight Tiburon's engagement with startups that have relevance to the entertainment PR context.


16. COI Partners


COI Partners is a corporate investment firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in growth capital and private equity investments, primarily targeting medium-sized enterprises in the DACH region. COI Partners collaborates with entrepreneurs to provide direct investments and fund management services, aiming to help businesses achieve their growth ambitions. While their main focus has been on sectors such as IT services and quick-service food, they have also ventured into the entertainment space with a notable investment in Freaks 4U Gaming, where they secured a €15 million investment. This marks their first equity investment in the esports and gaming sector, highlighting their interest in the entertainment industry and its potential for growth and expansion.



Entertainment PR Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaABremen, Bremen, Germany1001-500019991
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
W venturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201911
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Media VenturesCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020000
Barclays Consumer Bank EuropeHamburg, Hamburg, Germany501-100019915
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
EMH PartnersFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-5020161
SwisscomIttigen, Bern, Switzerland10001+19982
TiburonMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020010
COI PartnersFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020010


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