The music merchandising industry in Europe centers around the sale of artist-related products, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles. This sector serves not only famous musicians but also emerging artists, enhancing their brand presence. Driven by the rise of online retail and social media, companies like merch producers and e-commerce platforms increasingly cater to fiercely loyal fanbases. The industry sees major growth in sustainable product offerings, reflecting consumers’ desires for ethical merch. Additionally, technology is reshaping how fans engage through personalized experiences, making this industry a lively nexus of creativity and commerce with plenty of future potential.


The 16 investors in this list hail from various sectors, including venture capital and corporate investment, with headquarters primarily in London and Paris. Founded between 1945 and 2017, these investors showcase a rich history and a strong presence in the market. Many, such as BGF and Crowdcube, focus on supporting smaller enterprises, while corporate giants like Believe and BMG emphasize artist-related services. In 2024 alone, these investors engaged in numerous deals, signaling a vibrant interest in growth and innovation within the music merchandising sector.


Top 16 Music Merchandising Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has been involved in notable transactions within the music industry, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in equity crowdfunding in 2017, and Signature Brew, which raised $243,384 in 2015. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting businesses in the music merchandising sector while also promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.


2. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the music industry, such as leading funding rounds for SoundCloud, a major platform for music distribution, and Songkick, a service that connects fans with live music events. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting companies that enhance the music experience, making them a valuable partner for entrepreneurs in the music merchandising space.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions within the music industry, including Groover, a music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024, and MatchTune, which raised $4 million in Series A funding in May 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the music sector, making it a relevant player in the music merchandising 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 by promoting and distributing their music, ensuring they receive fair compensation. BMG has been actively involved in significant transactions within the music industry, including the acquisition of the Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which features iconic artists like Depeche Mode and Nick Cave. Additionally, BMG acquired the recorded catalog of the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, encompassing over 240 songs, and the entire recorded catalogue of Mötley Crüe, which includes nine studio albums and all live albums from their extensive career. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's commitment to enhancing its music portfolio and supporting the artists it represents, making them a relevant player in the music merchandising landscape.


5. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for backing two startups per week, providing them with both financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions in the music industry, Kima Ventures invested in Groover, a music tech startup that raised €1.3 million to enhance its matching system for artists and expand internationally. They also backed Aiva Technologies, which uses artificial intelligence to compose emotional soundtracks, and Soundcharts, a music analytics firm that raised $3.1 million to expand its operations. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in the music sector, particularly in areas that intersect with technology and analytics.


6. Lvmh

  • Website: lvmh.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, the company boasts a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. LVMH serves affluent consumers and businesses, providing exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage. Notably, LVMH has made significant investments in the fashion sector, including the acquisition of a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label closely associated with music culture through its founder Virgil Abloh, who has strong ties to the music industry. This acquisition highlights LVMH's strategic interest in brands that resonate with contemporary cultural movements, including music merchandising. Additionally, LVMH's acquisition of Bulgari and investments in various startups demonstrate its commitment to expanding its luxury brand portfolio, which may include future opportunities in music-related merchandising.


7. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies within the music industry, such as One Media IP Group, which raised £6M to support music catalog acquisitions, and Sentric Music, a music publishing company that received a multi-million pound investment to accelerate its international expansion and fund future acquisitions. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting growth in the music sector, making it a relevant player in the music merchandising space.


8. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has invested in several companies within the music industry, including Songkick, which raised $15,000 in a pre-seed round in 2007, and Sofar Sounds, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in 2014. These investments highlight LocalGlobe's commitment to fostering innovation in the music sector, particularly in areas that enhance live music experiences and ticketing solutions.


9. Venrex

  • Website: venrex.partners
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2002, that specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. The firm provides funding and strategic support to help these businesses grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in Everpress, a platform that enables artists to create and sell custom merchandise, which is directly relevant to the music merchandising industry. Additionally, Venrex has participated in funding rounds for other startups like Shotgun and HUG, which, while not directly related to music merchandising, showcase the firm's focus on innovative consumer platforms. Venrex operates from its offices in London and New York, and has been active in various funding rounds, indicating a robust investment strategy.


10. Believe

  • Website: believe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: believe-digital

Believe SAS is a digital music company based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The company provides distribution and marketing services for independent artists and labels, empowering them to manage their careers and reach audiences through innovative technology and expert support. Believe has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its services and expand its portfolio in the music industry. Notable transactions include the full acquisition of TuneCore, a digital music distribution and publishing administration company, which aims to enhance services for independent artists. Additionally, Believe acquired the French independent label Naive, the German metal label Nuclear Blast, and a 49% stake in Tôt ou tard, reflecting its shift towards artist services and development. Most recently, Believe reached an agreement to acquire a 25% stake in Global Records, a leading independent dance music company in Central and Eastern Europe. These transactions highlight Believe's commitment to supporting artists and adapting to the evolving music landscape.


11. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has invested in TouchTunes Interactive Networks, a New York City-based entertainment provider, where they acquired a minority stake for $40 million. This investment is particularly relevant as TouchTunes focuses on expanding its digital jukebox offerings, which directly ties into the music merchandising industry. Additionally, 3i has been involved in other transactions, such as investments in Leaf Group and Polyconcept, which, while not directly related to music merchandising, showcase their capability and interest in diverse sectors.


12. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the music industry, including a leading role in financing Epidemic Sound, which raised substantial funds to support its growth in the music licensing space. Additionally, EQT's recent takeover bid for Believe, a company focused on digital music distribution, further highlights their commitment to the music sector. These transactions illustrate EQT's strategic interest in music-related businesses, making them a relevant player in the music merchandising landscape.


13. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in the music industry, such as the acquisition of YMU, a UK-based talent management firm, for approximately USD $76 million in March 2024. This acquisition followed a financial restructuring aimed at enhancing YMU's growth potential, indicating Permira's commitment to supporting businesses within the music sector. Additionally, Permira has been involved in other significant transactions, such as leading funding rounds for companies like Minted and Catawiki, showcasing its active role in fostering growth across diverse industries.


14. Superstruct Iberia


Superstruct Iberia, founded in 2017 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a corporate investor specializing in live entertainment, particularly in premium live music festivals and events. The company is part of Superstruct Entertainment, which has made significant strides in the music industry through various strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Boiler Room, a platform known for its live music events, and Elrow, a prominent electronic music promoter, aimed at expanding its global reach. Additionally, Superstruct has invested in the Flow Festival, a key Finnish music festival, and acquired The Music Republic, a major player in the Spanish festival scene, for approximately 120 million euros. Their acquisition of Apenkooi Group further solidifies their position in the electronic music event space. These activities highlight Superstruct Iberia's dedication to enhancing cultural relevance and creative experiences within the music industry.


15. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, they have invested in Groover, a Paris-based music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024, aimed at empowering independent artists and enhancing their promotional capabilities. Additionally, Partech was involved in a $16 million funding round for Goom Radio in 2009, a company focused on redefining radio for the digital generation. These transactions highlight Partech's engagement in the music industry, particularly in areas that intersect with music merchandising.


16. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several music-related ventures, including Starmony, a music tech company that allows users to create and release music globally, and Auddly, a song project management platform backed by notable figures in the music industry. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the music sector, particularly in technology that supports music creation and management.



Music Merchandising Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
LvmhParis, Île-De-France, France10001+198711
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
VenrexLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200211
BelieveParis, Île-De-France, France1001-500020053
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
Superstruct IberiaMadrid, Madrid, Spain51-20020171
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


Want to find more investors focusing on the music merchandising industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the music merchandisingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!