The publishing industry in the DACH region showcases a range of companies that produce everything from print to digital content, including books, magazines, and online platforms. This region has seen shifts towards digital media, with a growing emphasis on accessibility and consumer engagement. E-books and audiobooks have gained traction, reflecting changing consumer habits. With the rise of subscription services and self-publishing, innovative pathways have emerged for creators. As technology advances, collaborations between traditional publishers and tech firms are on the rise, setting the stage for refreshing content approaches and new revenue models.


In total, the list features 19 prominent investors in the DACH publishing sector, varying in type from corporate giants like Bauer Media Group to agile venture capital firms such as Acton Capital. These investors are headquartered across key cities including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, with company sizes ranging from boutique firms to large corporations. Founded over several decades, their activity spanned multiple industries within publishing and counted 89 investments in 2024, reflecting a robust interest in this evolving market.


Top 19 Publishing Investors in DACH


1. 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 operates across various sectors, including television, streaming services, music production, and notably, book publishing. The company has made significant strides in the publishing industry, highlighted by its acquisition of Penguin Random House in July 2017, which positioned it as a leader in the global book market. In November 2020, Bertelsmann further expanded its publishing portfolio by agreeing to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, aiming to enhance its presence in the U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann has invested in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., acquiring a stake to tap into Japan's substantial book market. These strategic investments underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to high-quality content and innovative publishing solutions.


2. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a leading media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Axel Springer has been involved in several significant transactions in the publishing context, such as acquiring N24 Media GmbH, a 24-hour news channel, to strengthen its multimedia editorial capabilities. Additionally, it has invested in Group Nine Media, participating in funding rounds to support digital media initiatives, and acquired a minority interest in Mic Network, a news platform targeting millennials. These investments reflect Axel Springer's strategic focus on expanding its influence in the publishing industry and enhancing its digital presence.


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 wide array 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. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Pacific Magazines for $40 million, which highlights their commitment to expanding their publishing footprint. Additionally, Bauer Media has acquired various media entities such as Absolute Radio and Communicorp Media, further solidifying their presence in the media industry. These strategic acquisitions reflect Bauer Media's ongoing investment in the publishing sector, making them a significant player in the industry.


4. bmp Ventures

  • Website: bmp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: bmpventures

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate their growth journey. Notably, bmp Ventures has invested in brand eins Verlag, a publishing house, in a seed round in June 2011, showcasing their engagement in the publishing industry. They have also invested in LOST iN, which has received funding in both 2016 and 2018, indicating a sustained interest in this area. Additionally, their investment in Vertical TechMedia in July 2015 further highlights their involvement in media-related ventures. While bmp Ventures primarily targets tech companies, their track record in the publishing sector makes them a relevant player in this space.


5. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. The firm focuses on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has made significant investments in the publishing context, including AbeBooks, a well-known online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also operates in the book sector. Additionally, they invested in Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books and media in Germany. These transactions highlight Acton Capital's engagement with the publishing industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the distribution and accessibility of published content.


6. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the publishing context, such as their investments in Audible, a leading provider of audiobooks and spoken word content. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Audible in 2004 and 2006, indicating a strong interest in the digital publishing space. Additionally, their investment in Bol.com, a major online retailer that includes a significant book and media section, further highlights their engagement with the publishing industry. Overall, HV Capital's focus on digital content and their history of relevant investments make them a noteworthy player in the publishing sector.


7. 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 by promoting and distributing their music while ensuring fair compensation. BMG has been actively involved in significant transactions within the music publishing context, including the acquisition of Telamo, Germany's largest independent music label, which enhances their presence in the German Schlager music market. Additionally, BMG acquired the Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which includes notable artists, and has also invested in independent labels like Infectious Music and ARC Music. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's commitment to expanding its music publishing capabilities and supporting a diverse range of artists.


8. Point Nine

  • Website: pointnine.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: point-nine-capital

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. With a commitment to seed-stage funding and participation in subsequent rounds, Point Nine helps startups access the capital needed for growth. Notably, they have invested in Podcastle, a podcasting platform that raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round in February 2024, and previously $7 million in a seed round in October 2021. This involvement in a media-related startup highlights their interest in the publishing sector, particularly in digital content and distribution.


9. THQ Nordic


THQ Nordic is a corporate investor based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. As a prominent video game publisher and developer, THQ Nordic offers a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms, catering to gamers and enthusiasts with engaging gaming experiences. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the gaming industry, including the acquisition of Plaion in February 2018, Appeal Studios in May 2021, and HandyGames in July 2018 for a total cash consideration of 1 million euros, with a potential performance-based earnout. Additionally, THQ Nordic acquired Pieces Interactive in August 2017 and Gunfire Games in August 2019. These transactions highlight THQ Nordic's focus on expanding its publishing capabilities and maintaining a strong community presence in the gaming sector.


10. Ringier

  • Website: ringier.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1833
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: ringier

Ringier AG is a media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates across various sectors, including media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions. Ringier serves both consumers seeking news and entertainment and businesses looking for advertising and marketplace services. The company has made significant strides in the publishing landscape, particularly with its recent acquisitions. In November 2023, Ringier acquired BILANZ, a prominent publication, enhancing its media portfolio. In 2021, it acquired a majority stake in the Bulgarian Sportal Media Group, which focuses on sports media, and also acquired Sportal365, further solidifying its presence in the sports publishing sector. Additionally, Ringier expanded its reach in the digital space by acquiring Ghafla Kenya, a popular blog, in 2016. These transactions highlight Ringier's active role in the publishing industry and its strategy to diversify and strengthen its media offerings.


11. Hubert Burda Media

  • Website: burda.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1903
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: hubert-burda-media

Hubert Burda Media is a corporate investor based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in media and technology, focusing on publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms. They serve consumers with media products and provide businesses with B2B services and investment opportunities in digital technology. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made significant acquisitions in the publishing space, including Immediate Media Co., which publishes the UK triathlon magazine 220 Triathlon and engages over 19 million consumers monthly. Other relevant acquisitions include StockFood and Shoplove, which further enhance their portfolio in the media and content sectors. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its operations, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving media landscape.


12. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been active in nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping them navigate growth challenges. Notably, they have invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that raised $9 million in a Series A round, focusing on scaling content production and expanding into new markets. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for OneFootball, a football media platform, which highlights their engagement in the media and publishing space. Their investment in madvertise, a mobile ad leader, also reflects their interest in digital media, further solidifying their relevance in the publishing context.


13. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in Podimo, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds, focusing on audio content and storytelling, a key aspect of the publishing industry. Additionally, they participated in the pre-seed round for ForgeFiction, a platform dedicated to community writing, further emphasizing their interest in publishing-related ventures. While they have also invested in companies outside of publishing, their engagement in these relevant transactions highlights their potential as a publishing investor.


14. Holtzbrinck Digital


Holtzbrinck Digital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within the digital education, science, and content sectors. Holtzbrinck Digital supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and strategic guidance, helping them to grow and succeed in their respective markets. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as figshare and Altmetric, both of which are platforms that facilitate content sharing and management in the academic and publishing realms. These investments highlight their engagement with the publishing industry, particularly in the context of digital content and scholarly communication.


15. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. With a focus on providing capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups, Cherry Ventures has made significant investments in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Morressier, which raised a total of $16.5 million in Series B funding in January 2024, and focuses on enhancing research integrity and content sharing in academia. Additionally, they invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that raised $9 million in Series A funding, aimed at scaling content production and expanding into new markets. These transactions highlight Cherry Ventures' engagement in the publishing industry, particularly in areas that intersect with content distribution and research.


16. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, including consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in Wonderbly, a children's book publisher, participating in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, which raised significant capital for the company's product development and international growth. This involvement in the publishing sector highlights their versatility as an investor, as they are willing to support companies outside of their primary tech focus when opportunities arise.


17. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Community Media Group in 2008, which publishes 14 suburban lifestyle magazines, highlighting their involvement in the publishing sector. Additionally, they acquired Straive in 2017 for $330 million, a company that provides content and data solutions, further indicating their interest in media-related investments. These transactions reflect Partners Group's diverse investment approach, including a focus on publishing and media.


18. Angel Invest


Angel Invest is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. They specialize in angel investments in early-stage technology startups, providing both funding and coaching to help founders achieve product-market fit and prepare for Series A funding. In 2024, they participated in 23 investments, including notable transactions such as Proofcheck, a proofreading technology startup based in Vienna, which raised €500,000 in pre-seed funding with Angel Invest as a participant. This investment highlights their engagement in the publishing sector, as Proofcheck's services directly relate to enhancing the quality of published content. Additionally, they were involved in The Companion, which also indicates their interest in supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with publishing needs.


19. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups that address significant global challenges. Notably, Redalpine has been involved in several transactions relevant to the publishing industry. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Morressier, a Berlin-based startup focused on scholarly publishing, contributing to their Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. This involvement highlights Redalpine's commitment to enhancing research integrity and innovation in the publishing space. Additionally, their investment in Car Throttle, which aims to expand its publications, showcases their interest in the broader publishing landscape. Overall, Redalpine's diverse portfolio reflects their strategy of empowering innovative companies across various sectors, including publishing.



Publishing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
bmp VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019973
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
Point NineBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201116
THQ NordicVienna, Vienna, Austria501-100020110
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Holtzbrinck DigitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany1-1020100
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Angel InvestBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-10201823
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618


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