The broadcasting industry in the US is a dynamic sphere that features companies producing and delivering audio and visual content. This sector encompasses traditional broadcast television, radio stations, cable networks, and streaming services, all vying for audiences' attention. With the advent of digital technology, content consumption patterns are rapidly changing, driving a shift toward on-demand and live streaming platforms. Notably, the industry is headed toward greater interactivity and personalization, spurred by data analytics and artificial intelligence. As new competitors like podcasts and streaming services emerge, traditional broadcasters are adapting to maintain relevance in an evolving media environment.


This article showcases a robust list of 18 notable investors in the broadcasting sector across the United States, highlighting corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity establishments. These investors vary in size, ranging from small firms with less than 50 employees to large corporations with thousands. With founding years stretching from as early as 1887 to 2010, each investor has made an impact through numerous significant transactions, with 2024 investment counts showcasing their active participation. Locations are predominantly concentrated in key business hubs such as New York and California, revealing the geographical concentration of investment activities in broadcasting.


Top 18 Broadcasting Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the broadcasting space, including Twitch, which raised funds in its seed round in 2007 and has since become a leading platform for live streaming and gaming content. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in The Podcast App in 2018, further showcasing its engagement with the broadcasting industry. Other investments, such as Revlo and Taiv, also reflect its focus on technology-driven platforms that may intersect with broadcasting and media.


2. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments across various sectors, including media and broadcasting. Notable transactions include their investment in Kerning Cultures, a Dubai-based podcast network that raised $460,000 in seed funding, indicating their commitment to audio broadcasting. Additionally, their investment in Viki, an international video site, highlights their interest in video content and distribution, further solidifying their relevance in the broadcasting industry. Overall, 500 Global's diverse portfolio and strategic investments in media-related startups position them as a noteworthy player in the broadcasting investment landscape.


3. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to its core technology investments, Intel Capital has also engaged in significant transactions within the broadcasting sector. Notably, they invested $12 million in Shanghai Media Group in 2008, and have made multiple investments in Hungama, a media and entertainment company, totaling $250 million across several rounds from 2014 to 2016. These investments highlight Intel Capital's involvement in the broadcasting industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.


4. SV Angel

  • Website: svangel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. SV Angel provides financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts to help startups navigate business development challenges. Notably, SV Angel has invested in several companies relevant to the broadcasting industry, including Twitch, which raised funds in its seed round in 2007 and has since become a leading platform for live streaming and broadcasting. Additionally, SV Angel has invested in Brat TV, which raised $10 million in Series A funding in 2017 and focuses on creating content for younger audiences. Other investments include OZY Media and Revlo, both of which have connections to media and content creation, further solidifying SV Angel's presence in the broadcasting landscape.


5. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector. Notably, Accel has invested in Legendary Entertainment, a prominent film and television production company, raising a total of $168 million across two rounds in 2011 and 2012. Additionally, Accel has invested in Amagi Media Labs, a company that provides cloud-based broadcasting solutions, raising $195 million in two rounds in 2021 and 2022. These transactions highlight Accel's active role in the broadcasting industry, making it a significant player in this space.


6. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of broadcasting, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily through grants. For instance, in 2023, it provided Rogers Communications with grants totaling over $54 million and $879,798, demonstrating its support for major players in the broadcasting industry. Additionally, it has granted funds to other entities like CFIM and Omnifilm Entertainment, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing the Canadian broadcasting landscape.


7. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has been involved in several transactions relevant to the broadcasting industry, including multiple funding rounds for ViewLift, a company that provides OTT services. These transactions include a $10 million venture round in 2011, a $6 million venture round in 2013, and additional funding rounds in 2012 and 2016, showcasing NEA's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the broadcasting and media space.


8. Gray Television

  • Website: gray.tv
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1897
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: gray-television

Gray Television, Inc. is a media company based in Atlanta, Georgia, that operates television broadcasting stations and digital media services across the United States. Founded in 1897, Gray Television has a significant presence in the broadcasting industry, providing news and entertainment content to local communities while offering advertising opportunities for businesses. The company reaches a substantial portion of U.S. television households and has a diverse portfolio of media properties. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Raycom Media, which significantly expanded their reach and created the third-largest television broadcast group in the U.S. Additionally, they acquired WKTB Atlanta (Telemundo Atlanta) to enhance their local media presence, and KCRG-TV, the ABC affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, further solidifying their footprint in the broadcasting landscape. These strategic acquisitions underscore Gray Television's active role in the broadcasting sector.


9. Hearst Magazines

  • Website: hearst.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1887
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: hearst-magazines

Hearst Magazines, a division of Hearst Corporation, is a corporate investor based in New York, New York, with a history dating back to 1887. The company operates across various sectors, including publishing, broadcasting, and financial information services. Hearst has made notable investments in the broadcasting industry, including the acquisition of WVTM-TV, an NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama, and WMUR-TV, an ABC affiliate in Manchester, New Hampshire. These acquisitions have significantly increased Hearst Television's audience reach, allowing it to serve nearly 19% of U.S. TV households. Additionally, Hearst's acquisition of Litton Entertainment and a 50% stake in NorthSouth Productions highlights its strategic focus on enhancing its television production capabilities, particularly in non-scripted programming. With a total of 10 investments in 2024, Hearst continues to be an active player in the media landscape, delivering reliable content across various platforms.


10. Greycroft

  • Website: greycroft.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: greycroft-partners

Greycroft is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2006, that specializes in technology investments across various sectors, including software, sustainability, and consumer brands. The firm provides capital and expertise to startups and emerging companies, helping them grow and scale their operations. Notably, Greycroft has made significant investments in the broadcasting and media industry, including a $20 million funding round for The Young Turks, a leading online news platform, and a $3.5 million Series A investment in AwesomenessTV, which focuses on creating content for younger audiences. Additionally, Greycroft participated in funding rounds for Wondery, a podcast publisher, which highlights their commitment to innovative media and broadcasting ventures. Overall, Greycroft's diverse portfolio reflects its focus on transformative companies in the broadcasting space, alongside its broader technology investment strategy.


11. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the broadcasting context, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments such as a $122 million raise for Zee Entertainment Enterprises in a Post-IPO Secondary transaction in April 2023, and a total of $278 million in various funding rounds for Legendary Entertainment in 2012. Additionally, they participated in a $22.5 million Series D funding for Cheddar in 2018, further demonstrating their engagement in the broadcasting and media sectors. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the broadcasting industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


12. Google

  • Website: google.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: google

Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a corporate investor with a focus on advertising technology through its subsidiary, Google AdMob. This company specializes in mobile app monetization solutions, providing services such as ad mediation and various ad formats to help app developers optimize their advertising strategies. In the broadcasting context, Google has made notable investments, including a significant $1 billion investment in TelevisaUnivision, a major player in the media and broadcasting industry. Additionally, Google has participated in funding rounds for Machinima, which raised $35 million in 2012 and $18 million in 2014, further emphasizing their engagement in the broadcasting and media landscape. Their diverse portfolio and active participation in the broadcasting sector make them a relevant investor in this category.


13. Disney and ESPN Media Networks


Disney and ESPN Media Networks, a division of The Walt Disney Company, is a corporate investor based in Burbank, California. Founded in 2004, the company operates in the entertainment and media sector, offering a diverse range of products and services, including movies, television shows, and theme parks. Disney has made significant investments in the broadcasting industry, highlighted by its acquisition of ABC Entertainment in 1995, which allowed it to enter the traditional broadcasting space. More recently, Disney acquired Hulu in November 2023, enhancing its streaming capabilities and content distribution. Additionally, the company is in the process of acquiring Sky News from 21st Century Fox, which underscores its commitment to expanding its broadcasting reach internationally. These transactions demonstrate Disney's active role in the broadcasting sector, making it a notable investor in this field.


14. Comcast Ventures

  • Website: comcastventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: comcast-ventures

Comcast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, New York, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including Data & AI, Health Tech, and Energy & Sustainability. Comcast Ventures provides funding and leverages the extensive resources of Comcast NBCUniversal to support the growth of its portfolio companies, primarily targeting early to growth stage businesses. Notably, Comcast Ventures has made significant investments in the broadcasting context, including a $50 million investment in TuneIn, an online radio company, which has raised a total of $140 million to date and focuses on expanding operations and acquiring rights to live sporting events and original programming. Additionally, they led a $12 million Series C funding round for WhoSay, a media management platform for celebrities, which aims to enhance its technology and expand its reach. Comcast's acquisition of FSN New England and FSN Bay Area further demonstrates their commitment to regional sports programming, highlighting their active role in the broadcasting industry.


15. NBCUniversal

  • Website: nbcuniversal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company based in New York, New York, founded in 1912. It operates a diverse range of services, including television programming, film production, and amusement park experiences. NBCUniversal serves consumers through various platforms, including NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock. The company has made significant investments in the broadcasting sector, including the acquisition of Telemundo Communications for approximately $2 billion, enhancing its presence in the Hispanic market. Additionally, NBCUniversal acquired Bravo from Cablevision Systems Corporation for $1.25 billion, further expanding its cable network portfolio. Other notable acquisitions include Monkey Kingdom, a UK production company, and Oxygen Media, a cable network targeting female audiences. These transactions underscore NBCUniversal's strategic focus on strengthening its broadcasting capabilities and diversifying its entertainment offerings.


16. Amazon

  • Website: amazon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, primarily known for its e-commerce platform. However, it has significantly expanded its footprint in the broadcasting industry through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of MGM Studios for $8.45 billion in May 2021, which enhances Amazon Prime Video's content offerings. In August 2019, Amazon was part of an investor group that acquired Disney's 80% stake in the YES Network for $3.47 billion, aimed at improving sports content delivery. Additionally, Amazon acquired Twitch, a leading live streaming platform, for $970 million in 2014, further solidifying its presence in digital broadcasting. Most recently, in October 2024, Amazon acquired MX Player, a popular streaming service, indicating its ongoing commitment to expanding its broadcasting capabilities. Overall, Amazon's diverse investments in content and streaming services position it as a key player in the broadcasting industry.


17. Paramount

  • Website: paramount.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1914
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: paramountco

Paramount Global is a media and entertainment company based in New York, New York, founded in 1914. It delivers premium content across various platforms worldwide, including film production, television broadcasting, and streaming services. Paramount has made significant acquisitions in the broadcasting sector, including MTV in 1985 for $667.5 million, BET Networks in 2000 for $2.34 billion, and Channel 5 in 2014 for approximately $760 million. Additionally, the acquisition of Pluto TV in 2019 for $340 million highlights its commitment to expanding its broadcasting and streaming capabilities. Through these transactions, Paramount has established itself as a key player in the broadcasting industry, serving a broad audience seeking entertainment and information.


18. Sinclair Broadcast Group

  • Website: sbgi.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cockeysville, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sinclair-broadcast-group

Sinclair Broadcast Group is a media company based in Cockeysville, Maryland, specializing in broadcasting television content and providing marketing services. Founded in 1986, the company operates numerous TV stations and networks, delivering local and national news, sports programming, and digital marketing solutions. Sinclair has made significant investments in the broadcasting sector, including the acquisition of Tribune Media for approximately $3.9 billion, which expanded their control to 72% of U.S. television markets. They also acquired WJLA and News Channel 8 from Allbritton Communications for $985 million, further increasing their reach to nearly 40% of U.S. television households. In addition, Sinclair was part of an investor group that acquired Disney's 80% stake in the YES Network, enhancing their sports content delivery. Their recent transaction involving Run3TV indicates ongoing interest in media-related investments, solidifying their position as a major player in the broadcasting industry.



Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Gray TelevisionAtlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)1001-500018971
Hearst MagazinesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000188710
GreycroftNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200620
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
GoogleMountain View, California, United States (USA)10001+32
Disney and ESPN Media NetworksBurbank, California, United States (USA)10001+20047
Comcast VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019994
NBCUniversalNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19122
AmazonSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)10001+37
ParamountNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19140
Sinclair Broadcast GroupCockeysville, Maryland, United States (USA)5001-1000019861


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