The outdoor advertising industry in Europe thrives by connecting brands to consumers in real-world settings. Companies ranging from billboards and transit ads to digital screens play a pivotal role in reaching audiences on the go. Recent trends show a shift towards integrating technology, enhancing interaction and engagement. Investing in eco-friendly solutions and data analytics bolsters efficiency and visibility. With consumers responding more favorably to captivating visuals, the future of outdoor advertising looks promising. Innovative solutions such as Augmented Reality and programmatic ad buying are gaining traction, indicating a rapid evolution that embraces both creativity and technology.


The investors in this compilation reflect the breadth of the outdoor advertising industry. They include venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate entities, primarily based in key European cities like Paris and London. Founded between 1964 and 2015, these investors vary from small firms to large corporations, managing investments ranging from several million to significant acquisitions. In 2024 alone, these investors engaged in multiple deals, underscoring their commitment to supporting advertising technologies and companies.


Top 17 Outdoor Advertising Investors in Europe


1. Wpp

  • Website: wpp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wpp

WPP plc is a prominent advertising and communications company based in London, England, founded in 1985. With over 10,000 employees, WPP provides a wide range of services, including advertising, public relations, media buying, and market research. The company aims to enhance brand visibility and connect businesses with consumers through innovative marketing strategies. Notably, WPP has made significant acquisitions that reflect its commitment to expanding its media capabilities. For instance, in 2012, WPP acquired a 75% stake in Union Media, an Israeli media investment management agency, which aligns with their strategy to grow in fast-paced markets. Additionally, their acquisition of john st., a creative agency in Canada, further demonstrates their investment in diverse advertising channels. These transactions highlight WPP's active role in the advertising industry, including outdoor advertising.


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 to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in ADYOULIKE, a company that raised $284,174 in a Pre-Seed round in 2011, focusing on native advertising solutions. They also participated in TrafficAvenue, which raised $409,975 in a Seed round in 2015, a company that is directly related to traffic and advertising. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the advertising technology space, which is relevant to outdoor advertising.


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 variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the outdoor advertising sector, including a significant investment in Adcleek, a company focused on outdoor advertising solutions, where they led a funding round to support its growth. Additionally, their investment in Fill Up Média and other tech-driven companies suggests a broader interest in innovative advertising solutions, further solidifying their relevance in the outdoor advertising landscape.


4. JCDecaux

  • Website: jcdecaux.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1964
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jcdecaux

JCDecaux is a prominent outdoor advertising company founded in 1964, headquartered in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France. With over 10,000 employees, JCDecaux specializes in providing innovative street furniture and advertising solutions that enhance urban environments and improve advertising visibility. Their offerings include interactive screens, public toilets, and real-time messaging solutions. JCDecaux has made significant strides in the outdoor advertising sector through strategic acquisitions, including Gewista Werbegesellschaft in 2003, IMC Medios in 2024, and the Latin America business of OUTFRONT Media Inc. in 2016. These acquisitions have strengthened their market position in various regions, including Europe and Latin America, showcasing their commitment to expanding their influence in the outdoor advertising industry.


5. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC acquired Ocean Outdoor, a leading outdoor advertising company, for approximately $55.4 million in May 2012, highlighting their commitment to the outdoor advertising sector. Additionally, LDC has been involved in other transactions, such as the management buyout of Showcard Print, which, while not directly related to outdoor advertising, showcases their active investment strategy in diverse industries.


6. 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 (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies like Adlede, which operates in the advertising technology space, and Strossle, a content marketing platform. These investments highlight Almi's engagement with the advertising industry, particularly in areas that could intersect with outdoor advertising strategies. Additionally, Almi's support for companies like Match2One, which focuses on programmatic advertising, further emphasizes its relevance in the advertising sector.


7. 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 advertising sector, including a majority stake acquisition in FRAMEN, a startup that has evolved into a micro-targeting advertising platform for digital signage. This acquisition, along with their participation in various funding rounds for companies like AdMobilize and Group Nine Media, showcases their commitment to advancing advertising technologies, particularly in the outdoor advertising domain. Their investment in Bonial.com further emphasizes their focus on advertising services, making them a noteworthy player in the advertising landscape.


8. 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, founded in 1875. It specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a wide range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. In 2024, Bauer Media Group made a significant move in the outdoor advertising industry by acquiring Clear Channel Europe for £512 million ($625 million). This acquisition is expected to close in 2025 and will enhance Bauer's out-of-home advertising capabilities across 13 national markets, adding over 100,000 advertising spaces and 1,600 employees to its portfolio. This strategic acquisition not only expands Bauer's reach in outdoor advertising but also integrates its existing media assets, allowing it to serve a combined audience of 350 million consumers. The company continues to focus on enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services, positioning itself as a key player in the outdoor advertising landscape.


9. Ventech

  • Website: ventechvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: ventech

Ventech is a venture capital firm founded in 1998, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in early-stage investments in technology and digital sectors. The firm partners with innovative entrepreneurs to provide capital and strategic support, helping startups navigate their growth journey. With a focus on Europe and Asia, Ventech has a diverse portfolio and a strong track record of successful investments. Notably, they led a €3.1 million Series B funding round for StickyADS.tv, a video ad network, which highlights their engagement in the advertising technology space. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Ogury, a mobile data specialist, which raised significant capital to enhance its advertising capabilities. These transactions illustrate Ventech's involvement in the advertising sector, particularly in digital and media technologies that can intersect with outdoor advertising strategies.


10. Ströer Media Deutschland GmbH


Ströer Media Deutschland GmbH is a prominent advertising agency based in Germany, founded in 1990. The company specializes in outdoor and digital advertising, as well as dialog marketing, providing businesses with effective communication strategies to reach their target audiences through various advertising channels. Ströer has been actively involved in the outdoor advertising sector, evidenced by several key acquisitions. Notably, they acquired UAM Media Group in December 2017, which was expected to boost their revenues significantly. Other acquisitions include AdScale in April 2013, Business Advertising GmbH in December 2012, and RegioHelden in June 2015. These transactions reflect Ströer's commitment to expanding its footprint in the advertising market, particularly in outdoor advertising, while also focusing on sustainability in its practices.


11. Global

  • Website: global.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: global-

Global is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in media and advertising, particularly in radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. Founded in 2007, Global has grown to become a significant player in the advertising landscape, with a focus on connecting brands with large audiences across the UK and Europe. Notably, Global has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its outdoor advertising capabilities, including the acquisition of MMD Media, which added 1,378 digital screens in Dutch petrol stations, making Global the largest DOOH operator in the Netherlands. Additionally, the acquisitions of Exterion Media, Primesight, and Outdoor Plus have further solidified Global's position in the out-of-home advertising sector, creating a new entity called Global Outdoor that leverages the strengths of these companies to enhance advertising opportunities.


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 Teads, a French video adTech startup, which raised significant funding rounds (including $30 million in Series B and $5.2 million in Series A) to enhance its video advertising platform. This involvement highlights Partech's engagement in the advertising technology space, which is relevant to outdoor advertising strategies. Additionally, their investment in other startups like Metadata and alphin further demonstrates their active role in supporting innovative companies, although these are less directly related to outdoor advertising.


13. Elaia

  • Website: elaia.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: elaia-partners

Elaia is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage digital and deep tech investments, providing capital and strategic advisory services to ambitious tech entrepreneurs. Elaia has been actively involved in the technology sector, focusing on fostering growth in its portfolio companies. Notably, Elaia has invested in Teads, a French video adTech startup that raised $30 million in Series B funding in 2015 and $5.2 million in Series A funding in 2013, aimed at expanding its video advertising platform. Additionally, Elaia participated in Vibe's Series A funding round, where Vibe raised $22.5 million to enhance its streaming TV advertising ecosystem. These transactions highlight Elaia's engagement in the advertising technology space, which intersects with outdoor advertising.


14. Iris


Iris is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in funding technology startups and growth companies across Europe, providing both venture and growth capital along with strategic support to help portfolio companies scale effectively. Notably, Iris has invested in Armis, which raised €1 million in seed funding to develop its Multi-Local Advertising technology, indicating a direct connection to the advertising sector. Additionally, Iris has participated in various funding rounds for companies like Mediastay, which specializes in online gaming payment solutions, and Scibids, an AI-based programmatic bid management solution. While their primary focus is on technology, their involvement in advertising-related transactions suggests a broader interest that could encompass outdoor advertising.


15. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have invested in companies like Adludio, which raised £2 million to enhance its advertising platform and expand its presence in the US, indicating a focus on innovative advertising solutions. Additionally, their investment in Pubguard, an adtech startup, further highlights their engagement in the advertising technology space. These transactions demonstrate Mercia's commitment to supporting businesses that operate within the advertising sector, including outdoor advertising.


16. 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 was involved in the debt financing of Exterion Media, which raised over $36 million in September 2016. Exterion Media is a significant player in the outdoor advertising industry, providing advertising solutions across various platforms. This transaction highlights Permira's engagement in the outdoor advertising sector, showcasing its strategic investment approach aimed at transforming businesses into market leaders.


17. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, assisting them in growth and transformation while integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Prismaflex International, a company known for its outdoor advertising solutions, which highlights their engagement in the outdoor advertising industry. Other investments include Phenix Groupe, Docuworld Group, Acquisio, and La Foir'Fouille, showcasing their diverse investment strategy but with a notable link to outdoor advertising through Prismaflex International.



Outdoor Advertising Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
WppLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19852
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
JCDecauxNeuilly-Sur-Seine, Île-De-France, France10001+19641
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
VentechParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199812
Ströer Media Deutschland GmbHGermany10001+19900
GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500020072
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
ElaiaParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200223
IrisParis, Île-De-France, France11-5019860
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882


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