The sports media and broadcasting industry in the Nordics is vibrant, featuring companies engaged in content creation, distribution, and analysis across various sports. Primarily driven by technological advancements, firms in this sector offer innovative solutions for digital streaming, data analytics, and esports entertainment. As viewership preferences shift towards immersive experiences, businesses are adapting by integrating interactive elements and leveraging social media. Trends indicate a steady growth trajectory toward personalized experiences, especially in the youth and esports markets, while partnerships with tech companies are enhancing content accessibility to engage audiences effectively.


The list of investors showcases a mix of private equity, corporate, and venture capital firms headquartered across the Nordics. With a collective investment count in 2024 of over 80 deals, this network spans established players like Oscotel and emerging venture firms. The majority were founded after 2000, indicating a surge in investment interest in sports media. Companies range in size and specialization—some focus on early-stage tech, while others emphasize more mature investments, reflecting a dynamic growth environment in this sector.


Top 18 Sports Media and Broadcasting Investors in the Nordics


1. Better Collective


Better Collective is a digital media company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2001. It specializes in sports and esports content, operating a portfolio of media brands that engage sports fans and bettors through various content formats. The company focuses on performance-based marketing and community building, providing valuable insights and resources for navigating the sports betting landscape. In 2023, Better Collective made several significant acquisitions to bolster its presence in the sports media sector, including the acquisition of Playmaker Capital for $188 million, which aims to enhance its media capabilities and expand its audience. Additionally, they acquired Torcedores.com, Tipsbladet, and Playmaker, further solidifying their position in the sports media landscape. These strategic moves reflect Better Collective's commitment to growing its influence and reach within the sports media and broadcasting industry.


2. 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, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight its engagement in the sports sector, including investments in Sportswik AB, which raised $1,142,700 in a venture round in 2017, and Spiideo, which received seed funding in 2013. Additionally, Almi has invested in Playmaker, which raised $579,420 in 2021, further indicating its interest in companies that may contribute to the sports media and broadcasting landscape. These transactions reflect Almi's commitment to supporting innovative businesses within the sports industry, making it a relevant player in this space.


3. 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 prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made strategic investments in the sports media and broadcasting sector, including a significant stake in Sportradar, a leading provider of sports data and analytics, through multiple funding rounds in 2012 and 2014. Additionally, EQT's investment in Sportfive, a sports marketing agency, further emphasizes their engagement in the sports media landscape. Their recent investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) also reflects their focus on the entertainment industry, which often overlaps with sports media. Overall, EQT Group's activities demonstrate a clear interest in the sports media and broadcasting sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


4. Mtg

  • Website: mtg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: mtg

Modern Times Group (MTG) is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1987. The company operates a diverse portfolio in gaming and entertainment, focusing on developing and publishing mobile and browser games. MTG has made notable investments in the sports media and broadcasting sector, including the acquisition of TRACE TV in 2014, which enhances their media presence. Furthermore, their acquisition of ESL - Turtle Entertainment in 2015 for approximately $86 million highlights their strategic interest in the esports domain, a rapidly growing segment of the sports media landscape. MTG's investments reflect a commitment to leveraging user engagement and innovation in both gaming and sports media contexts.


5. Creandum

  • Website: creandum.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: creandum

Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Creandum provides venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups. Notably, they have made significant investments in the sports media and broadcasting context, including a minority stake in Forza Football, a platform with approximately 3 million active users per month, which focuses on football content. Additionally, Creandum has invested in RFRSH Entertainment, a Danish esports team agency, which manages popular esports teams and develops media content and live events. Their participation in the funding rounds for these companies demonstrates their commitment to the sports media landscape, particularly in the growing field of esports.


6. Seed Capital Denmark

  • Website: seedcapital.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: seed-capital-denmark

Seed Capital Denmark is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, specializing in providing seed funding and advisory services to technology startups in Denmark. Founded in 2004, the firm has a strong track record of successful investments, particularly in sectors such as SaaS and Fintech. However, they have also ventured into the sports technology space, as evidenced by their investments in companies like Veo, which raised significant funding to develop sports camera and AI technology, and Tonsser, a football app aimed at enhancing the football experience for users. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the sports media and broadcasting context, making them a notable player in this niche.


7. Heartcore Capital

  • Website: heartcore.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: heartcorecapital

Heartcore Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies and focuses on building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs to support their business journeys. Heartcore has been involved in several notable transactions within the sports media and broadcasting context, particularly in the esports sector. They participated in a €12.5 million financing round for BLAST Premier, a Danish esports entertainment startup, and invested in RFRSH Entertainment, which manages esports teams and develops media content and live events. Additionally, their investment in Podimo, a platform for podcasts and audiobooks, reflects their interest in media content, further connecting them to the sports media landscape. Overall, Heartcore Capital's investments indicate a commitment to supporting innovative companies within the sports media and broadcasting industry.


8. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments in technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Among their notable transactions, Verdane acquired Watch it Live AB, a company that likely operates in the sports broadcasting space, and PerformIQ, which may provide performance analytics for sports. Additionally, they led a funding round for Urban Sports Club, a company that promotes sports and fitness activities, indicating their active role in the sports sector. Verdane's investment in Hive Streaming also highlights their interest in technology that can enhance media delivery, which is relevant to broadcasting.


9. Telia


Telia Company AB is a telecommunications company based in Solna, Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1853. With over 10,000 employees, Telia operates primarily in the Nordic and Baltic regions, providing a wide range of services including IoT connectivity, smart city solutions, and telephony services. While their core business focuses on telecommunications, Telia has made strategic investments in the sports media sector, notably participating as an existing shareholder in Solidsport, a Stockholm-based sports streaming events operator that raised SEK 23 million in funding. This investment highlights Telia's interest in enhancing sports broadcasting capabilities. However, their other transactions, such as the acquisitions of Tele2 and Assembly Organizing Oy, primarily target telecommunications and broadband services, indicating that their main focus lies outside the sports media industry.


10. Conor Venture Partners

  • Website: conor.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: conor-venture-partners

Conor Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, focusing on sectors such as ICT, electronics, embedded systems, and new materials & optics. Conor provides strategic guidance and financial support to help these companies grow and succeed in global markets. Notably, Conor Venture Partners has invested in Supponor, a Finnish digital advertising technology provider that raised funds in Series A and Series B rounds. Supponor aims to enhance advertising capabilities for brand owners, event organizers, and broadcasters, making it a relevant player in the sports media and broadcasting industry. This involvement highlights Conor's interest in technology that intersects with sports media, particularly in the realm of digital advertising and content management.


11. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the sports media and broadcasting context. For instance, they acquired a minority stake in O'Learys Holding AB, a leading sports-themed restaurant chain in Europe, which showcases their interest in the sports industry. Additionally, their investment in Iyuno-SDI Group, which specializes in media localization, highlights their engagement in the media sector, further connecting them to broadcasting activities. Other transactions, such as their involvement with XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer focused on sports and outdoor products, also reflect their commitment to the sports domain.


12. Bonnier Ventures

  • Website: bonnierventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bonnier-ventures

Bonnier Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2013. As the investment division of the Bonnier Group, they focus on providing capital and management support to promising companies across various structurally growing industries, including healthcare, media, sustainability, fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Bonnier Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the sports media and broadcasting sector. They invested in Heja, a youth sports management social platform, which raised $4.2 million in a seed round in 2021, highlighting their commitment to sports-related ventures. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for Heja and also invested in United Screens, a company that operates in the media space. Their investment in Acast, a podcasting platform, further emphasizes their engagement in the media industry, making them a versatile player in both sports and media sectors.


13. Lifeline Ventures


Lifeline Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and advisory services to resilient founders. Notably, Lifeline Ventures has participated in several transactions that intersect with the sports media and broadcasting industry. For instance, their investment in VersusGame, which raised $25 million to enhance product development and forge partnerships with media companies, highlights their engagement in the sports media space. Additionally, their involvement with RFRSH Entertainment, a Danish esports team agency, showcases their commitment to the growing esports sector, which is increasingly relevant in sports broadcasting. Other investments, such as in Nonstop Games and Everywear Games, while primarily focused on gaming, also contribute to the broader entertainment landscape that includes sports media.


14. 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 corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2006. It is primarily known as a music and podcast streaming service, offering users access to a vast library of audio content. Spotify allows consumers to stream music and podcasts on various devices, create and share playlists, and enjoy both free and premium subscription options. In recent years, Spotify has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its podcasting segment, which includes notable transactions such as the acquisition of The Ringer on February 5, 2020, and Gimlet Media on February 6, 2019, for over $200 million. These acquisitions signify Spotify's commitment to expanding its podcast offerings, including sports-related content, as it competes with other platforms in the podcast distribution market. Additionally, Spotify acquired Podsights, a company focused on podcast advertising tools, on February 16, 2022, further emphasizing its investment in the podcasting ecosystem.


15. Butterfly Ventures

  • Website: butterfly.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: butterfly-ventures

Butterfly Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in seed stage investments, particularly in deep tech startups, and aims to provide capital and strategic support to early-stage companies. Butterfly Ventures is known for its focus on social and environmental impact, actively engaging with its portfolio companies to foster innovation and success. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Sports Tracking Technologies in 2014, a company that operates within the sports sector, indicating their interest in sports-related ventures. Other investments include Zenniz, CaddieON, MyPose, and Think Outside, showcasing their diverse portfolio while maintaining a connection to the sports industry through specific investments.


16. Everysport Group


Everysport Group AB, founded in 2007 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a corporate investor specializing in the sports media sector. The company focuses on providing sports data and gaming information to sports enthusiasts and businesses, enhancing their operations with reliable data and media content. Everysport Group has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the industry, including the acquisition of Everysport in November 2015, Daytime Media House in June 2016 for $4,250,000, and Guldfemman AB in May 2016. These transactions highlight Everysport Group's active role in the sports media and broadcasting space, as they seek to expand their capabilities and offerings within the sports information sector.


17. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, and is known for partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in its portfolio companies. Nordic Capital has a strong focus on creating long-term value and sustainability in its investments. Among its notable transactions, Nordic Capital acquired Vizrt, a digital media firm valued at $374 million, which plays a significant role in the sports media landscape by providing technology for broadcasting and media production. Additionally, the firm has invested in Unisport, a football equipment retailer, which operates alongside its other sports concern, Sportmaster. These investments highlight Nordic Capital's engagement in the sports sector, particularly in areas that intersect with media and broadcasting.


18. Ericsson

  • Website: ericsson.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1876
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: ericsson

Ericsson is a telecommunications company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1876. With over 10,000 employees, it specializes in advanced connectivity solutions, including 5G networks and IoT platforms. In recent years, Ericsson has made significant strides in the media and broadcasting sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2016, Ericsson announced its plan to acquire FYI Television, a media content company, to bolster its broadcast and media services capabilities. Additionally, in 2014, Ericsson acquired Azuki Systems, a provider of TV Anywhere delivery platforms, further enhancing its media portfolio. These transactions reflect Ericsson's commitment to expanding its influence in the media landscape, particularly in areas that intersect with sports broadcasting.



Sports Media and Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Better CollectiveCopenhagen, Denmark1001-500020011
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
MtgStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019871
CreandumStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50200317
Seed Capital DenmarkFrederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark1-1020045
Heartcore CapitalCopenhagen, Denmark11-50200717
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
TeliaSolna, Stockholm, Sweden10001+18530
Conor Venture PartnersEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020051
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
Bonnier VenturesStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020131
Lifeline VenturesHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-10200914
SpotifyStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden5001-1000020061
Butterfly VenturesHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020125
Everysport GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020070
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910
EricssonStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+18763


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