The television production industry in DACH combines creativity, technology, and talent to create compelling content across multiple formats. Key players include production companies, broadcasters, and digital platforms producing everything from dramas and documentaries to reality shows and news programming. As consumer preferences shift towards on-demand services, companies increasingly lean on innovative storytelling, advanced technology, and the integration of digital streaming. Additionally, investment in production technology is rising, reflecting growing demand for high-quality content tailored for various platforms. Market dynamics are shifting towards collaboration among European and international entities, driving growth and expansion opportunities.


This list features a unique blend of investors in the DACH television sector. Ranging from corporate giants like Bertelsmann to venture capital firms such as Burda Principal Investments, these investors vary in size and focus. Headquartered in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Zurich, many boast over a decade of experience with several transactions in 2024 alone. This active investment community reflects a commitment to evolving media, bolstered by their substantial footprint across the region.


Top 16 Television Production 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 prominent media company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in publishing and audio broadcasting. Founded in 1875, the company has grown to serve millions of consumers and businesses across Europe with a diverse range of products, including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. In recent years, Bauer Media has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the notable acquisition of Télécâble Sat Hebdo, a leading TV magazine, which highlights its commitment to strengthening its position in the television market. Additionally, Bauer Media has made significant investments in audio broadcasting, acquiring various radio stations such as Celador Radio Broadcasting and Beat 102-103, further diversifying its media presence. These transactions reflect Bauer's strategy to enrich everyday life through engaging content and marketing services, positioning it as a multifaceted player in the media landscape.


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 committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer acquired GRB Studios in 1999, a company known for producing television content, which highlights its involvement in the television production sector. Furthermore, Axel Springer has participated in significant funding rounds for media companies like OZY Media and Group Nine Media, indicating its active role in the media landscape, including investments that may support television production initiatives.


3. 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 a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television and streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in the entertainment industry, including the acquisition of Element Pictures in May 2022, which is known for its film production. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. in 1999 highlights their interest in the broader media landscape, which includes television content. These transactions reflect Bertelsmann's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the television production sector, making it a relevant investor in this field.


4. 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. Media Ventures focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop their business models and gain access to markets, leveraging its extensive network and expertise in investment management. Notably, Media Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the television production industry, including dailyme TV, which raised funds in a seed round in 2011 and focuses on personalized video content delivery, and Make.TV, which raised funds in multiple rounds in 2013 and 2014, providing a platform for live video streaming and broadcasting. Additionally, their investment in Media Baby in 2023 further emphasizes their engagement in the media sector, as this company is involved in media-related services.


5. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments in digital technology and media companies. With a focus on providing long-term growth equity, they support entrepreneurs in overcoming financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes a range of successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like WaitWhat, a media invention company, where they contributed to both Series A and Series B funding. Additionally, their investment in Kukua, which is developing an animated television series, highlights their commitment to projects within the television production space. This diverse engagement in media-related ventures positions Burda Principal Investments as a key player in the intersection of technology and television production.


6. 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, offering a range of services including mobile communication, broadband internet, and television. Founded in 1998, the company serves both individual consumers and businesses, providing essential connectivity solutions in a digital landscape. As an investor, Swisscom has made significant moves in the media sector, including the acquisition of Antenna Hungaria in 2005, which enhances its broadcasting capabilities. In 2004, Swisscom acquired CT Cinetrade, a company involved in film and television production, further solidifying its role in the television industry. Additionally, the acquisition of Publigroupe S.A. in 2014 indicates Swisscom's strategic interest in media and advertising, which are closely linked to television production. These transactions highlight Swisscom's active engagement in the television production and broadcasting sectors.


7. Ringier

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

Ringier AG is a media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates in media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions, serving both consumers and businesses. Notably, Ringier has made significant strides in the television sector, particularly with its acquisition of Admeira AG in February 2020, where it became the sole owner of the marketing company, allowing it to focus on TV advertising. This move highlights Ringier's commitment to enhancing its presence in the television industry. Furthermore, the acquisition of a majority stake in the Bulgarian Sportal Media Group in March 2021 reflects its strategy to bolster its sports media presence, which often intersects with television production. Overall, Ringier plays a significant role in the media landscape, with a diverse portfolio that includes television-related ventures.


8. Tamedia

  • Website: tamedia.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1893
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: tamedia

Tamedia is a media company based in Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland, founded in 1893. It specializes in journalism and publishing, offering a variety of products including newspapers and digital news platforms. The company is committed to quality journalism and effective advertising services. Notably, Tamedia has made significant acquisitions in the media landscape, including Zattoo in 2018, which is a prominent streaming service that allows users to access live television and on-demand content. This acquisition highlights Tamedia's interest in the television production and distribution space. Additionally, the acquisition of Goldbach Group AG in 2017, a company involved in advertising and media services, further emphasizes Tamedia's strategic positioning within the media industry. Overall, Tamedia's investments reflect a commitment to enhancing its media offerings, including television-related services.


9. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. They manage a diversified portfolio of VC funds aimed at empowering innovative businesses and facilitating their growth. Notably, Mountain Partners has invested in Zapping TV, which raised $500,000 in a venture round in January 2018, indicating their involvement in the media sector. Additionally, they have invested in Promipool and movingimage, which, while not exclusively television production companies, are related to media and content distribution. These transactions suggest that Mountain Partners has some engagement with the television production industry, although their primary focus remains on technology startups.


10. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey. They focus on investing in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help these businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs has been involved in several transactions, including a seed round investment in mixd.tv, a company that operates in the television production space. This investment highlights their engagement with the media sector, alongside other notable investments such as SoundCloud and 42matters, which, while not directly related to television production, showcase their interest in digital and media-related startups.


11. Infront Sports & Media AG


Infront Sports & Media AG, founded in 2003 and based in Zug, Switzerland, is a corporate investor specializing in sports marketing. The company manages media and marketing rights for international sports events, providing services such as sponsorship, media rights distribution, and sports broadcast production. Infront has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight its relevance in the television production context. For instance, their strategic participation in the Series B funding round for Minute.ly, an AI-driven video enhancement startup, indicates their interest in innovative solutions that can enhance sports broadcasting. Additionally, their acquisition of DSM Sportwerbung GmbH aims to strengthen their position in the football advertising sector, which is closely tied to media rights and broadcast opportunities. These activities demonstrate Infront's commitment to enhancing audience engagement through sports content, making them a significant player in the television production industry.


12. ProSieben

  • Website: prosieben.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 5001-10000

ProSieben is a prominent television network based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1986. The company specializes in delivering a diverse range of entertainment content through live broadcasts and a comprehensive media library. ProSieben has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight its role as an investor in the media landscape. Notably, they participated in the funding of Joyn GmbH, a streaming service that enhances their content distribution capabilities. Additionally, ProSieben has invested in Minute Media, contributing to multiple funding rounds, including a $40 million Series I round in 2020 and earlier rounds totaling $15 million and $40 million in 2017 and 2019, respectively. These investments reflect ProSieben's strategic focus on expanding its media presence and engaging with innovative content platforms, reinforcing its position in the television production industry.


13. Barclays Consumer Bank Europe


Barclays Consumer Bank Europe is a corporate financial services provider based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991. The bank primarily offers a range of products including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, catering to individual consumers. In addition to its core financial services, Barclays has engaged in significant transactions within the media sector, notably providing post-IPO debt financing to companies like Everyman Media Group, which raised approximately $44.6 million in August 2023. This investment highlights Barclays' involvement in the entertainment industry, particularly in supporting businesses that contribute to film and television production. Other transactions include financing for M&C Saatchi and XP Factory, further indicating their engagement with media-related entities.


14. 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 capital but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures participated in the funding of Moviepilot, a movie recommendation platform that plays a significant role in the media landscape, securing $7 million in a Series B round in 2012. Additionally, they led a Pre-Series A financing round for Wonderz, a SaaS startup that collaborates with Janosch film & medien AG, further highlighting their involvement in the media and entertainment sector. These investments reflect IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies that intersect with the television and film industries.


15. Grazia Equity

  • Website: grazia.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: grazia-equity

Grazia Equity GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in providing investment management services to startups and entrepreneurs, focusing on funding innovative businesses across various sectors. Grazia's expertise in investment management allows them to support their portfolio companies effectively. One notable transaction involving Grazia Equity is their participation in the Series B funding round for Moviepilot, a Berlin and London-based movie recommendation and discovery platform, which secured $7 million in growth capital. This investment highlights Grazia's engagement in the media sector, particularly in platforms that intersect with film and television, suggesting a broader interest in the entertainment industry.


16. Rohde & Schwarz


Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG is a technology company founded in 1933, based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The company specializes in electronic test equipment, cybersecurity, and communication technologies, providing innovative solutions to various industries, including aerospace, defense, and telecommunications. In 2018, Rohde & Schwarz expanded its footprint in the television production industry by acquiring UK-based Pixel Power Ltd., a company known for its expertise in television branding and automation. This acquisition, which led to the renaming of the subsidiary to 'Pixel Power Ltd. – A Rohde & Schwarz Company', highlights their commitment to enhancing their offerings in the television sector, making them a relevant player in the television production landscape.



Television Production Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Media VenturesCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020000
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
SwisscomIttigen, Bern, Switzerland10001+19982
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
TamediaBoswil, Aargau, Switzerland1001-500018930
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
Infront Sports & Media AGZug, Zug, Switzerland501-100020030
ProSiebenMunich, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000019860
Barclays Consumer Bank EuropeHamburg, Hamburg, Germany501-100019915
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Grazia EquityStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5019983
Rohde & SchwarzFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19330


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