The audio visual equipment rental industry in Europe is thriving, catering to various sectors like events, corporate, and entertainment. Companies range from specialized rental firms offering sound, video, and lighting equipment to larger corporations that provide comprehensive AV solutions for shows and exhibitions. With technological advancements, there's a growing demand for high-quality digital equipment and integrated services, pushing the industry towards innovation. Prudent investment strategies and a focus on sustainability are also reshaping the future of this market, indicating strong potential for growth and increased collaboration among audio visual professionals across the continent.


The 19 featured investors in this article represent a mix of private equity and venture capital firms, predominantly located in the UK and France. With company sizes varying from startups to established corporations, these investors have collectively made over 330 deals in 2024. Founded between 1910 and 2015, each investor showcases a unique approach to funding businesses within the audio visual sector. From robust interest in technology startups to substantial stakes in established rental firms, the diversity is striking, revealing a vibrant network driving innovation and expansion in the industry.


Top 19 Audio Visual Equipment Rental Investors in Europe


1. 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 various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the audio visual sector, including a significant investment in Devialet, a French audio engineering company, which secured €50 million in funding. Additionally, Bpifrance provided debt financing to Delair Studios and Studiomatic, both of which may have connections to the audio visual equipment rental industry. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's engagement with companies that operate within or adjacent to the audio visual space.


2. Midwich

  • Website: midwich.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Diss, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: midwich

Midwich is a corporate investor based in Diss, England, founded in 1979. As a technology distributor, Midwich specializes in providing a wide range of technology solutions and products to businesses and reseller partners, with a strong focus on the audio-visual and IT sectors. They offer services such as IT support, logistics, and marketing, emphasizing B2B relationships to help vendors and resellers succeed in the technology market. Notably, Midwich has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the audio-visual equipment sector, including the acquisition of Earpro S.A. in 2017, a distributor of audio, video, and lighting solutions in Spain and Portugal, and Holdan in 2016, which operates in the broadcast and audio-visual markets. These transactions reflect Midwich's commitment to expanding its footprint in the audio-visual industry and supporting the rental market through its distribution capabilities.


3. 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, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the audio visual equipment rental context. For instance, they invested in Occarent, a company that specializes in leasing equipment to professional clients, which aligns closely with the audio visual equipment rental industry. Additionally, their investment in Cine Digital Service indicates their engagement with the audiovisual sector. Other transactions include investments in Synerglace and Accès Industrie, although these are less directly related to audio visual equipment rental. Overall, Crédit Mutuel Equity demonstrates a commitment to supporting growth in sectors that include audio visual equipment rental.


4. 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 the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Notably, LDC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the audio visual equipment sector, including their investment in Martin Audio, which raised over $15 million in a private equity round in 2018. This investment highlights LDC's commitment to supporting companies within the audio visual space. Additionally, their acquisition of The National Exhibition Centre Group, which operates various venues that likely utilize audio visual equipment, further demonstrates their engagement in the broader audio visual industry.


5. The Vitec Group plc - Videocom

  • Website: vitecgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: vitec-videocom

The Vitec Group plc - Videocom, founded in 1910 and based in Bury St Edmunds, England, is a corporate investor specializing in media equipment manufacturing. The company offers a diverse range of products and solutions tailored for the media and production industries, including camera accessories, lighting solutions, and video transmission systems. Their strategic acquisitions, such as Camera Corps, which enhances their capabilities in robotic camera support solutions, and Teradek, known for wireless HD video devices, reflect their commitment to innovation in the broadcast and video sectors. Additionally, the acquisition of SmallHD, a provider of high-quality on-camera field monitors, further strengthens their position in the market. These transactions align with their focus on enhancing content creation and operational efficiency for customers in the audio visual equipment rental space.


6. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Blue-i Event Technology, a Leeds-headquartered firm specializing in event technology, with a £13.75 million investment aimed at supporting European sales growth. Additionally, they have invested in ER Productions, a company involved in the audio visual sector, further demonstrating their commitment to this industry. BGF's portfolio includes various companies, but their active participation in the audio visual equipment rental space through these investments highlights their relevance in this sector.


7. GL events

  • Website: gl-events.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: gl-events

GL events is a corporate investor based in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, founded in 1978. The company specializes in event management, organizing events, managing venues, and providing exhibition services. Their expertise encompasses audiovisual services, stand construction, and energy solutions, ensuring successful and memorable events for their clients. Notably, GL events has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster their service offerings in the event management sector. For instance, they acquired Slick Seating Systems, a company specializing in grandstand and seating solutions, which enhances their market presence in event services. Additionally, their acquisition of Brelet SAS and its subsidiary, which generates significant revenue, further strengthens their capabilities in the event management domain. These transactions highlight GL events' commitment to expanding their service portfolio, including audiovisual services, making them a relevant investor in the audio visual equipment rental industry.


8. Midwich Group plc

  • Website: midwichgroupplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Diss, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: midwich-group-plc

Midwich Group plc is a corporate investor based in Diss, England, specializing in the distribution of audio-visual technology products and services. Founded in 1979, the company serves over 24,000 customers across various sectors, including corporate, education, and hospitality. Midwich has been actively expanding its footprint in the AV market through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of an 80% stake in Italian distributor Prase Engineering in 2019, which marked their entry into the Italian market. In December 2020, they acquired NMK Electronics Enterprises for $19 million, further strengthening their distribution capabilities. In 2020, they also acquired Starin Marketing, a U.S.-based company, for $46.1 million, which allowed them to tap into the U.S. AV market. Most recently, in June 2023, Midwich acquired the Canadian company SFM for approximately £26.7 million, which holds a significant share of the Canadian pro audio market. These transactions highlight Midwich's commitment to enhancing its presence in the audio-visual sector, making them a relevant player in the audio visual equipment rental industry.


9. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions such as providing a €50M loan to Collé Rental & Sales, a Dutch company focused on rental machinery, to electrify its fleet. This investment highlights the EIB's commitment to supporting the rental industry, which may include audio visual equipment rental. Additionally, the EIB has participated in various debt financing rounds for companies like Varjo and USound, indicating its active role in financing innovative technology and equipment that could be relevant to the audio visual sector.


10. Barco

  • Website: barco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1934
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: barco

Barco NV is a technology company founded in 1934, based in Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in digital projection and imaging solutions. The company serves various sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise, providing products such as medical displays, projection systems, and collaboration technology. Barco has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the audio visual equipment sector. Notably, they acquired Medialon Inc. to improve their media networking platforms, and projectiondesign to strengthen their position in the mid-venue projector market. Additionally, Barco's acquisition of Element Labs, which specializes in LED video systems, further solidifies their commitment to advancing audio visual technologies. These transactions reflect Barco's focus on enhancing visualization and communication through innovative technology, making them a significant player in the audio visual equipment rental industry.


11. 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 an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia caters to both startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, focusing on ambitious businesses across the UK. Notably, Mercia has invested in Quick Reach Powered Access, a national equipment hire business, which secured a £4.5m equity investment to expand its fleet of powered access equipment. This investment highlights Mercia's engagement in the equipment rental industry. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for companies like Warwick Audio Technologies, which develops audio technology, further indicating their interest in the audio visual sector.


12. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. The firm has a global presence and emphasizes sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the audio visual equipment sector, including the acquisition of d&b audiotechnik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of professional audio systems, and Audiotonix, a provider of audio-mixing consoles. These transactions highlight Ardian's commitment to the audio visual industry, making it a relevant player in the audio visual equipment rental market.


13. The FSE Group

  • Website: thefsegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Fleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: the-fse-group

The FSE Group is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Fleet, England, established in 2002. It specializes in providing funding solutions, including business loans and equity investments, to high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The organization aims to promote economic prosperity by collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver regional funding. Among their notable transactions, they have provided debt financing to Cyrus Audio, a company involved in the audio sector, which highlights their engagement with businesses that may operate within the audio visual equipment rental industry. Additionally, they have financed other companies like ATP Projects and Conversor Limited, although these are less directly related to audio visual equipment. Overall, The FSE Group's investment activities suggest a potential interest in the audio visual sector, particularly through their support of audio-related businesses.


14. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the rental equipment sector, including the acquisition of Loxam Holding, a France-based rental equipment services company, which received a €60M investment to expand in Europe. Additionally, they acquired HSS Hire, a company that provides tool and equipment rental services, further emphasizing their involvement in the rental industry. These transactions highlight 3i Group's commitment to supporting companies that operate within the rental space, including audio visual equipment rental.


15. 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. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Electronic Theatre, which secured £8.6 million in Series A funding to develop technology platforms and expand geographically, indicating their involvement in the audio visual technology space. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Sonos, which is known for its audio products, further showcasing their interest in the audio sector. However, their portfolio also includes a diverse range of industries, reflecting a broad investment strategy.


16. Livingbridge

  • Website: livingbridge.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: livingbridge

Livingbridge is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in investing in established and growing businesses across various sectors, including technology, services, healthcare & education, and consumer markets. Livingbridge provides capital and strategic support to help its portfolio companies unlock their potential and achieve growth through mergers and acquisitions, internationalization, and talent management. Notably, Livingbridge has made significant investments in the audio visual sector, including the acquisition of Martin Audio in 2003, a company known for its professional audio systems, and AudioTonix, which raised substantial funds in 2011. These transactions highlight Livingbridge's commitment to the audio visual equipment industry and its potential for further investments in this space.


17. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade acquired NTi Audio AG on February 16, 2022, which specializes in audio technology, indicating its engagement in the audio sector. This acquisition, along with other transactions, showcases Indutrade's strategy of expanding its portfolio in areas that may intersect with audio visual equipment rental, despite its broader industrial focus.


18. Focusrite Group

  • Website: focusriteplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: focusrite-plc

Focusrite Group, founded in 2014 and based in High Wycombe, England, is a corporate investor specializing in audio technology. The company manufactures and distributes high-quality music production tools and audio solutions, including audio interfaces, synthesizers, and professional sound systems. Focusrite operates globally, catering to musicians, producers, and audio professionals. In recent years, Focusrite has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio. Notably, they acquired Sheriff Technology Ltd, an entertainment technologies firm, for over £3.5 million, which could potentially expand their reach into audio visual rental services. Additionally, their acquisition of Linea Research Holdings Ltd for £12.6 million and Sonnox for £9.1 million further solidifies their commitment to enhancing their audio processing capabilities. These transactions indicate a proactive approach to growing their influence in the audio and entertainment technology sectors, which may intersect with audio visual equipment rental.


19. 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, they have invested in companies like 100ms, which raised $20 million in a Series A round to help developers build and deploy enterprise-class video applications. This investment highlights LocalGlobe's engagement in the audio visual sector, particularly in live video infrastructure, which is relevant to audio visual equipment rental. Other investments include ExpoCart and muse.ai, which, while not directly related to audio visual equipment rental, showcase LocalGlobe's diverse portfolio in technology and innovation.



Audio Visual Equipment Rental Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
MidwichDiss, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019790
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
The Vitec Group plc - VideocomBury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019100
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
GL eventsLyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France1001-500019780
Midwich Group plcDiss, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019791
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BarcoKortrijk, Flanders, Belgium1001-500019341
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
The FSE GroupFleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200219
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
LivingbridgeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019953
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
Focusrite GroupHigh Wycombe, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100020140
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915


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