The music streaming industry in Europe has evolved rapidly, with an increasing number of services catering to diverse audience preferences. Major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music dominate the sector alongside innovative startups that offer niche services such as curated playlists, artist promotion, and audio social experiences. Consumers demand convenience, quality, and personalization, which drives companies to innovate continuously. As artists seek better revenue models, alternative platforms integrating music intake, distribution, and payment solutions are emerging. The market is projected to continue growing, capitalizing on technological advancements and changing listener habits.

In our analysis of top investors in music streaming, we highlight a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors. Based in Paris, London, and Berlin, these investors range from small teams to large corporations. Founded between 1875 and 2019, these investors are remarkably varied in their venture counts, with some facilitating significant deals in 2024. For example, firms like Bpifrance and Kima Ventures underscore the vibrant investment activity within the industry, showcasing a blend of exploration and strategic support.

Top 17 Music Streaming Investors in Europe

1. 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 made significant investments in the music streaming industry, including a Series D funding round for SoundCloud, where they participated in raising over $60 million. They also invested in SoundCloud's Series B round, contributing $10 million. Additionally, they supported 8tracks Radio in its Seed Round with a $1.5 million investment, and they were involved in the early funding of Last.fm with a $5 million Series A investment. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to fostering growth in the music streaming sector while maintaining a broader investment strategy.

2. 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 venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Notably, Kima Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the music industry, including a $3.1 million Series A funding round for Soundcharts, a French music-analytics firm, and a funding round for Groover, a Paris-based music tech startup. Additionally, they have invested in Aiva Technologies, which focuses on AI-generated music, and Audion, which operates in the audio and podcast advertisement space. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the music sector, making them a notable player in the music streaming investment landscape.

3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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 various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has made significant investments in the music streaming and promotion sector, including Groover, a music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024, and Bridge.audio, which raised $2.4 million in a Seed Round in July 2024. Additionally, Bpifrance has invested in MatchTune and Majelan, both of which are involved in music-related services. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the music industry, making it a relevant player in the music streaming investment landscape.

4. 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, enabling startups and SMEs to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects businesses with potential investors, promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for several companies in the music and entertainment sector, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in 2017, and Lounges.tv, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2021. Other relevant transactions include NextUp, which raised $388,226 in 2020, and paus, which raised $470,339 in 2021. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's involvement in supporting businesses that contribute to the music streaming and broader music industry.

5. 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 Auddly, a song project management platform that raised SEK 20 million in venture capital funding, and Starmony, a music tech company that allows users to create and release music globally. These transactions highlight Almi's engagement in the music streaming and technology sectors, showcasing its role in fostering innovation within the industry.

6. 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. It specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a diverse range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. The company serves millions of consumers and businesses across Europe, focusing on enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services. In recent years, Bauer Media has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its digital radio portfolio, including Planet Rock and Absolute Radio, both of which cater to music audiences. Most notably, in March 2024, Bauer Media Audio acquired SharpStream, a company that streams audio content for various broadcasters, further solidifying its position in the music streaming and audio broadcasting landscape.

7. Bmg

• Website: bmg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: bmg-the-new-music-company

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, focusing on rights management and supporting artists and songwriters in promoting and distributing their music. The company has made several notable acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including the acquisition of the music record label behind the Buena Vista Social Club, World Circuit Records, and S-Curve Records. These transactions reflect BMG's strategy to expand its influence in the music industry and enhance its offerings in various genres. Additionally, BMG's acquisition of the Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which includes recordings from prominent artists, further solidifies its position in the music landscape. Through these activities, BMG plays a crucial role in the music streaming ecosystem by ensuring that artists receive fair compensation and that their music is widely available for streaming.

8. DST Global

• Website: dst-global.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn: dst_2

DST Global is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner, specializing in internet investments. The firm focuses on identifying and investing in some of the fastest-growing and most valuable internet companies globally. Notably, DST Global has made significant investments in the music streaming industry, including a $50 million investment in Spotify during its Series D funding round in June 2011, acquiring a 5% stake in the company. This investment highlights DST Global's commitment to the music streaming sector. Additionally, they participated in the Series C funding round for Clubhouse in April 2021, a platform that integrates social audio and music streaming elements, further showcasing their interest in the audio and streaming landscape. Overall, DST Global's investment strategy is centered around technology, with a clear interest in the music streaming industry.

9. 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 relevant to 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. Additionally, they have invested in ROLI, a music technology company, and muse.ai, which may have applications in music streaming and content management. These transactions highlight LocalGlobe's involvement in the music sector, making them a noteworthy player in the music streaming investment landscape.

10. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website: visionfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: softbank-investment-advisers

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Their diverse portfolio includes significant investments in various sectors, including health tech, fintech, and digital content. Notably, they have invested in DICE, a platform that enhances the music event experience, and StreamElements, which provides monetization tools for content creators, including musicians. These transactions highlight SoftBank's engagement with the music streaming and digital content landscape, showcasing their commitment to fostering technological advancements in this area.

11. Northzone

• Website: northzone.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: northzone

Northzone is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm specializes in investing in startups from Seed to Growth stages, providing financial backing and strategic support primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors. With over 175 investments, Northzone has a strong track record of empowering entrepreneurs. Notably, Northzone has been involved in significant transactions within the music streaming industry, particularly with Spotify, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including the Series A round in 2008 and subsequent rounds in 2014 and 2015. They also invested in doubleTwist, a music streaming service, further showcasing their engagement in the music streaming space.

12. 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 expanding its services for independent artists. Additionally, Partech was involved in a $16 million funding round for Goom Radio in 2009, which focuses on redefining radio for the digital generation. These transactions highlight Partech's engagement in the music streaming and promotion industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.

13. Liberty Global

• Website: libertyglobal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, that provides a range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company operates across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure to serve both consumers and businesses. Liberty Global has participated in several notable transactions in the media and entertainment space, including investments in iflix, a subscription video on demand service, where they participated in significant funding rounds in 2017. They also invested in Frequency Networks, a startup focused on bringing web video to cable boxes, and Mediamorph, which raised funds to enhance media management solutions. These transactions highlight Liberty Global's engagement in the broader entertainment ecosystem, which encompasses music streaming services.

14. The Syndicate Superclub

• Website: thesyndicate.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bristol, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: the-syndicate-superclub

The Syndicate Superclub is an angel investing group led by Jason Calacanis, connecting accredited investors with startups seeking funding. They facilitate investment opportunities through deal memos and webinars, streamlining the process for both investors and founders in the startup ecosystem. Notably, The Syndicate has been involved in several transactions relevant to the music streaming context, including investments in tonebase, which raised $2.5 million and $1.45 million in seed funding to develop its music education platform. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Scener, a social viewing platform that enhances shared media experiences, which can encompass music streaming. Their diverse portfolio indicates a willingness to engage with innovative platforms in the audio and streaming space.

15. Balderton Capital

• Website: balderton.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: balderton-capital_2

Balderton Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in European-founded technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also support programs aimed at enhancing founder wellbeing and performance. Balderton has made notable investments in the music streaming industry, including significant funding rounds for Kobalt Music, which raised $75 million in Series D funding in 2017, and $40 million in Series B funding in 2013. Additionally, they invested in 7digital, a digital music services company, in both 2005 and 2008. These transactions highlight Balderton's active role in supporting companies that are pivotal to the music streaming landscape.

16. Gsr

• Website: gsr.io
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 39
• LinkedIn: gsr-markets

GSR Markets is a cryptocurrency trading firm based in London, England, specializing in providing liquidity and trading solutions within the digital asset ecosystem. Founded in 2013, GSR serves a diverse clientele, including cryptocurrency projects, exchanges, and financial institutions, offering services such as market making, OTC trading, and risk management. In the context of music streaming, GSR has participated in notable transactions such as Stems Labs, a decentralized music NFT platform that raised $4 million in a pre-seed round, and LimeWire, which raised over $10.4 million through a private token sale for their music-related token. These investments highlight GSR's engagement with innovative platforms that blend music and blockchain technology, positioning them as a relevant player in the evolving music streaming landscape.

17. Ascension

• Website: ascension.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: ascension-media-group

Ascension is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They specialize in funding early-stage tech businesses and impact-driven companies, providing tax-efficient investment funds and mentorship to help startups scale their operations. Notably, Ascension has invested in companies like Trackd, which raised funds in seed rounds in 2015 and 2018, focusing on music collaboration and streaming. Additionally, they have invested in CloudBounce, a platform that offers audio mastering services, which is relevant to the music industry. Their investment in Rotor, a content platform for creating promotional videos, also highlights their engagement with media and music-related technology. Overall, Ascension's portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the music streaming and audio technology sectors.

Music Streaming Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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