The record label industry in Europe represents a vibrant ecosystem where various companies work to support artists. These firms range from established corporate giants like BMG and Believe to smaller independent labels focusing on niche genres. They offer services such as music distribution, marketing, and rights management, helping artists reach their audiences. With the shift toward digital streaming, companies are adapting by investing in technology and embracing innovative ideas. More collaborations between tech startups and traditional labels are expected as the industry prioritizes supporting independent artists and expanding their global reach.


The landscape of record label investment features a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms. Predominantly based in key European cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm, these investors vary in size, from small boutique firms to massive corporations, showcasing both niche and expansive interests in music. In 2024, the group made notable investments across the board, with deals totaling around 331 transactions. This blend of experience and innovation is driving growth in the sector, highlighting the increasing importance of strategic investments to enhance artist platforms and technology.


Top 17 Record Label Investors in Europe


1. 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 notable acquisitions in the record label space, including the Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which features iconic artists like Depeche Mode and Nick Cave. They also acquired Nashville's BBR Music Group, marking their return to the country music scene, and the New York pop label S-Curve Records, enhancing their mainstream pop offerings. Additionally, BMG has expanded its international reach by acquiring World Circuit Records, known for its unique music from Cuba and West Africa, and the label behind the Buena Vista Social Club. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's active role in the record label industry, catering to a diverse range of music genres and artists.


2. 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. It provides distribution and marketing services for independent artists and labels, focusing on empowering artists to manage their careers through innovative technology and expert support. Believe has made significant strides in the record label industry, acquiring several key players to enhance its service offerings. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a 49% stake in Tôt ou tard, the second largest independent label in France, and the acquisition of the French independent label Naive for just over $12 million. Additionally, Believe acquired full ownership of Sentric Music, further expanding its portfolio. These strategic acquisitions reflect Believe's commitment to supporting independent artists and labels, making it a significant investor in the record label sector.


3. 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 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 significant acquisitions in the audio broadcasting sector, including the purchase of Planet Rock, a national digital radio station known for classic rock music, and Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland. These acquisitions highlight Bauer Media's strategy to enhance its digital radio portfolio and expand its influence in the music broadcasting landscape, making them a relevant player in the music industry.


4. 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 invested in several companies within the music industry, such as SoundCloud, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (including $10 million in Series B and $60 million in Series D), and Songkick, which raised $19.2 million in Series C and $3.5 million in Series A. Additionally, they invested in 8tracks Radio, a platform for user-curated playlists. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting growth in the music sector, making them a relevant player in the record label investment landscape.


5. 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 promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the music industry, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in 2017, and Encore Musicians, which raised $787,782 in 2023. These investments highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting businesses within the music sector, making it a significant player in the record label investment landscape.


6. Superstruct Iberia


Superstruct Iberia, a corporate investor based in Madrid, Spain, is part of Superstruct Entertainment, a live entertainment company specializing in premium live music festivals and events. Founded in 2017, Superstruct has made notable acquisitions in the music sector, including the Spanish festival giant The Music Republic for approximately 120 million euros in January 2023, and Boiler Room, a well-known platform for live music events, in January 2025. Additionally, they have invested in the Spanish electronic music promoter Elrow to help expand its global presence and acquired a stake in the Flow Festival in Finland. These transactions highlight Superstruct's commitment to enhancing its portfolio within the music industry, making them a relevant player in the record label context.


7. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, it supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several music-related startups, 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 engagement in the music industry, particularly in supporting platforms that empower independent artists and enhance music promotion.


8. 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 made significant investments in the music industry, including a €1.3 million funding round for Groover, a music tech startup focused on improving artist and label connections. They also participated in a $3.1 million Series A funding round for Soundcharts, a music analytics firm that aids labels in tracking their artists' performance. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in Aiva Technologies, which uses AI to compose music, and Audion, which focuses on audio and podcast advertisement, further showcasing their engagement in the music and audio sectors.


9. Spotify

  • Website: spotify.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: spotify

Spotify is a music and podcast streaming service founded in 2006, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It offers users access to a vast library of audio content, allowing them to stream music and podcasts on various devices. Spotify has made strategic investments and acquisitions to enhance its services for artists and improve its platform. Notably, in 2018, Spotify made a passive minority investment in DistroKid, an independent music distributor, which allows artists to upload and distribute their music seamlessly across various platforms. This move demonstrates Spotify's commitment to supporting independent artists and enhancing their distribution capabilities. Additionally, Spotify has acquired companies like niland, Sonalytic, and Sonantic, which focus on music technology and content delivery, further solidifying its role in the music industry. These transactions highlight Spotify's active involvement in the record label ecosystem, making it a relevant investor in this space.


10. Sushi Venture Partners


Sushi Venture Partners is a private equity investment and advisory firm based in London, UK, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in the media tech sector, providing tailored investment and advisory services to both startups and established companies in this field. They focus on entrepreneurial founders and CEOs who aim to innovate in the digital media landscape. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Musiio, a company that leverages AI technology to enhance music discovery and catalog management, as well as Remixology, which is involved in music-related services. These investments highlight their engagement with the music industry, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the record label sector.


11. 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 participated in several transactions within the music tech space, including investments in Starmony, a platform 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 with the music sector, particularly in supporting innovative solutions that could benefit record labels and artists alike.


12. 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 based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in the UK and Ireland. Notably, BGF has invested in the music industry, with significant transactions including a multi-million pound investment in Sentric Music, a fast-growing music publishing company, aimed at accelerating its international expansion. Additionally, BGF invested £6M in One Media iP Group, a digital media content provider that focuses on acquiring music catalogs as part of its growth strategy. These investments highlight BGF's active role in the music sector, particularly in supporting companies that contribute to the record label industry.


13. 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 London-based venture capital firm founded in 2000, specializing in investing in European-founded technology companies. With a focus on enhancing founder wellbeing and performance, Balderton provides not only financial backing but also support programs for startups navigating growth challenges. Notably, Balderton has participated in several funding rounds for Kobalt Music, including a $75 million Series D round in 2017, a $40 million Series B round in 2013, and a $16 million Series B round in 2008. Additionally, they invested in 7digital, a digital music platform, during its early funding stages. These transactions highlight Balderton's engagement in the music industry, particularly in technology-driven music services, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the record label sector.


14. 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 private equity investment firm founded in 1994, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the music industry, exemplified by their recent takeover bid for Believe, a leading digital music distribution company, valued at approximately USD $1.64 billion. This move underscores EQT's commitment to expanding its footprint in the record label sector. Additionally, EQT has invested in Epidemic Sound, a company that provides music for content creators, through multiple funding rounds, showcasing their interest in innovative music solutions. Furthermore, their strategic investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) highlights their focus on talent and innovation within the entertainment industry, further solidifying their relevance in the record label context.


15. 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 to entrepreneurs. With over 175 investments, Northzone has a strong track record in empowering founders to navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, Northzone has invested in music-related companies such as Soundrop, a social music discovery platform, where they led a $3.4 million Series B funding round in 2013 and participated in a $3 million Series A round in 2012. Additionally, they have been involved with Spotify, a leading music streaming service, contributing to significant funding rounds that have helped the platform grow. These transactions highlight Northzone's engagement in the music industry, making them a relevant player in the record label investment space.


16. 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 helping startups navigate their growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has invested in music-related companies such as 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 engagement with the music industry, alongside their broader focus on technology and innovation.


17. 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. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the music and entertainment industry, including the acquisition of MAMA & Company in December 2012, which is involved in live music and events. They also acquired Digital Chaos in May 2017, a company that may have ties to the digital music landscape. Additionally, LDC's investment in Imagine Nation and Plimsoll Productions further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with music and entertainment, highlighting their capability to support growth in the record label industry.



Record Label Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
BelieveParis, Île-De-France, France1001-500020053
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Superstruct IberiaMadrid, Madrid, Spain51-20020171
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
SpotifyStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden5001-1000020061
Sushi Venture PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020120
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Balderton CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200025
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
NorthzoneLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50199623
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115


Want to find more investors focusing on the record label industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the record labelindustry, 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!