The music publishing industry in Europe is a vibrant sector that encompasses various players, including publishing houses, record labels, and technology-driven platforms. These companies manage songwriting rights, negotiate licenses, and promote artists' works, ensuring fair compensation for creators. As streaming continues to dominate, the demand for digital rights management has surged. Noteworthy trends include a growing emphasis on independent artists leveraging tech for self-publishing, alongside established entities acquiring broader catalogs. Emerging markets and innovative start-ups are pushing boundaries, illustrating a significant shift in how music is produced, distributed, and monetized.


The list features a blend of 19 investors, including venture capital, corporate, and private equity firms, each contributing to the music publishing landscape across Europe. Headquartered in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, the listed investors range in size from small firms of fewer than ten employees to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. These investors, founded between 1875 and 2015, made significant moves in 2024, with deal counts varying from one to nearly 200, highlighting their active engagement in shaping the future of music publishing in Europe.


Top 19 Music Publishing 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 been actively involved in the music publishing sector, with notable transactions including the acquisition of X-Ray Dog Music, an independent production music library, and AXS Music, a French production music company. Additionally, BMG has acquired significant music catalogues such as Mute Records, which includes recordings from renowned artists, and World Circuit Records, known for its unique recordings. The acquisition of BBR Music Group further highlights BMG's commitment to expanding its music publishing footprint, particularly in the country music genre. Overall, BMG's strategic acquisitions and focus on music publishing make it a key player in the industry.


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 music publishing industry, notably through its acquisition of TuneCore, a digital music distribution and publishing administration company, in April 2015. This acquisition allowed Believe to enhance its services for independent artists. In March 2023, Believe acquired full ownership of Sentric Music for €47 million, further solidifying its position in the music publishing space. Additionally, their acquisition of a 49% stake in Tôt ou tard, a major independent label in France, and the acquisition of the French independent label Naive, demonstrate their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the music industry. Overall, Believe aims to enhance the visibility and revenue of its clients in the evolving digital music landscape, making it a key player in music publishing.


3. 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 been involved in significant transactions within the music industry, such as investing in SoundCloud, a leading music sharing platform, during its Series B and Series D funding rounds. Additionally, they invested in ROLI, a company known for its innovative music creation tools, which has also acquired music industry frameworks and platforms. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' engagement in the music sector, particularly in companies that enhance music distribution and creation.


4. 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 music broadcasting sector, including 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 reflect Bauer's strategy to enhance its digital radio portfolio and target specific music demographics, indicating its active role in the music industry.


5. 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. Kima Ventures has made notable investments in the music tech industry, including Aiva Technologies, which uses artificial intelligence to compose emotional soundtracks, and Groover, a platform that connects artists with music professionals. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Soundcharts, a French music analytics firm, which highlights their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the music sector. These transactions reflect Kima Ventures' active role in the music publishing and technology landscape.


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. In the music publishing context, Almi has made notable investments in companies such as Auddly, which raised SEK 20 million in venture capital funding to develop a song project management platform, and Starmony, which has raised funding to create an app that allows users to produce and release music globally. Additionally, Almi has invested in other music-related ventures like Reactional Music and Session Studio, further demonstrating its engagement in the music industry.


7. 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. The platform has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the music industry, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in 2017, MusicGurus, which raised $230,380 in 2021, and Encore Musicians, which raised $787,782 in 2023. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the music sector, making it a relevant player in the music publishing landscape.


8. 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 and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions in the music publishing context, such as a €50 million investment in MWM, a France-based music application publishing company, and participation in funding rounds for Groover, a platform dedicated to music promotion. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovation within the music industry.


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, create and share playlists, and enjoy both free and premium subscription options. As an investor, Spotify has made strategic moves in the music publishing space, including a passive minority investment in DistroKid, an independent music distributor, which enhances its services for artists uploading music directly to the platform. This investment aims to facilitate seamless distribution of music to other platforms like Apple Music and YouTube. Additionally, Spotify has acquired companies such as Sonalytic and niland, which focus on music analytics and content management, further demonstrating its commitment to improving the music publishing landscape. In 2021, Spotify also acquired Findaway, a company that specializes in audiobook distribution, indicating a broader interest in audio content beyond just music.


10. Sushi Venture Partners


Sushi Venture Partners is a private equity investment and advisory firm based in London, England, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in the media tech sector, providing tailored investment and advisory services to both startups and established companies. They focus on entrepreneurial founders and CEOs who aim to innovate within the digital media landscape. Notable transactions include investments in Musiio, a music technology company that raised funds in a Seed Round in July 2018, and Remixology, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed Round in September 2020. These investments highlight Sushi Venture Partners' engagement with companies that are relevant to the music publishing industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovation in media tech.


11. 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 providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In the music publishing context, EQT has made notable investments, including a significant financing round for Epidemic Sound, which raised SEK 4.6 billion at a valuation of SEK 11.9 billion. This investment supports Epidemic Sound's growth and expansion in the music licensing market. Additionally, EQT's strategic investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) positions them as a key player in the entertainment industry, further solidifying their involvement in sectors related to music and talent management. Their recent takeover bid for Believe, a company involved in digital music distribution, also highlights their active role in the music publishing landscape.


12. Ascension

  • Website: ascension.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ascension-media-group

Ascension is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2015. They specialize in funding early-stage tech businesses and impact-driven companies, providing tax-efficient investment funds and mentorship to help startups scale their operations. Notably, Ascension has invested in several companies relevant to the music publishing industry, including Blokur, a UK-based startup that raised funding to enhance its music rights management services, and Trackd, which focuses on music collaboration and sharing. These investments highlight Ascension's engagement with the music sector, despite their broader focus on technology and societal challenges.


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 team of 51-200 professionals, they provide not only financial backing but also support programs aimed at enhancing founder wellbeing and performance. Balderton has been actively involved in the music publishing industry, notably through their investments in Kobalt Music, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $75 million Series D round in 2017 and a $40 million Series B round in 2013. Kobalt Music is known for its innovative royalty collections platform, which has been pivotal in adapting to the global surge in music streaming. Additionally, Balderton invested in 7digital, a digital music platform, further showcasing their engagement in the music sector. Their portfolio reflects a blend of technology and music, positioning them as a relevant player in the music publishing landscape.


14. 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, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Sentric Music, a fast-growing music publishing company, providing £3 million to accelerate its international expansion and future acquisitions. Additionally, BGF invested £6 million in One Media iP Group, a digital media content provider that aims to acquire music catalogs as part of its growth strategy. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the music publishing industry, making it a relevant player in this sector.


15. 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 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, particularly in technology and services that enhance music experiences.


16. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a global media, services, and education company based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann offers a diverse range of products, including television and streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in the music industry, including the acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which highlights their commitment to music distribution and digital content. Additionally, their investment in JioSaavn, which raised $100 million in a Series C funding round in 2015, further underscores their active participation in the music streaming and publishing landscape. These transactions reflect Bertelsmann's strategic focus on high-quality content and innovative services in the music sector.


17. Future

  • Website: futureplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: future-publishing

Future plc is a corporate media company based in London, England, founded in 1985. It specializes in connecting consumers with their passions through high-quality content and innovative technology. Future operates various specialist media brands and engages with both consumers and businesses, providing trusted information and resources across multiple industries. Notably, Future has made significant acquisitions in the music publishing sector, including the purchase of Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and Prog magazines for £800,000 in 2017, following their previous sale to Team Rock for £10.2 million in 2013. Additionally, Future acquired Guitar One, the US' second best-selling guitar magazine, for £1.5 million in 2003, further solidifying its presence in music publishing. These transactions highlight Future's commitment to the music industry, making it a relevant player in the music publishing landscape.


18. 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 a history of over 175 investments, Northzone aims to empower founders to navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, Northzone has made significant investments in the music sector, including 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 funding round in 2012. Additionally, they invested in doubleTwist, a media management platform that raised $5 million in Series B funding in 2009 and $2.5 million in Series A funding in 2008. These transactions highlight Northzone's engagement in the music industry, particularly in platforms that facilitate music discovery and management, aligning them with the music publishing sector.


19. LeanSquare

  • Website: leansquare.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: leansquare

LeanSquare is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in supporting innovative projects across various sectors, including the Cultural and Creative Industries, Enterprise Software, and Life Sciences. LeanSquare aims to provide financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to mature startups seeking growth. Notably, LeanSquare has been involved in several transactions relevant to the music publishing context, including investments in Musimap, which raised funds in both 2016 and 2020. Musimap focuses on music data and analytics, making it a significant player in the music technology space. Additionally, LeanSquare invested in Bridge.audio, which raised over $2.4 million in 2024, further indicating their engagement with music-related ventures. This track record highlights LeanSquare's commitment to fostering innovation within the music industry.



Music Publishing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
BelieveParis, Île-De-France, France1001-500020053
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
SpotifyStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden5001-1000020061
Sushi Venture PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020120
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AscensionLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201514
Balderton CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200025
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
FutureLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019850
NorthzoneLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50199623
LeanSquareBelgium1-1020143


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