Top 19 Television Production Investors in Europe
Top 19 Television Production Investors in Europe
The television production industry in Europe is a dynamic marketplace where creativity meets commerce. Companies ranging from global giants to niche producers develop a wide array of content for television and digital platforms. This industry produces everything from dramas and documentaries to reality shows and entertainment news, catering to regional tastes. With the rise of streaming services, the demand for innovative, original content is soaring. Recent shifts towards embracing new formats, digital storytelling, and international collaborations indicate a future fueled by innovation, as producers seek to captivate audiences across varied platforms.
Our list highlights 19 notable television production investors across Europe, showcasing a mix of corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity powerhouses. Based in major cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, these investors vary in size, from small firms with just a handful of employees to large corporations employing thousands. Founded between 1946 and 2015, the investment activity of these companies in 2024 reflects their strategic focus on strengthening capabilities in media, including notable undertakings by Sky, Liberty Global, and Bpifrance.
Top 19 Television Production Investors in Europe
1. Liberty Global
- Website: libertyglobal.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: liberty-global
Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, that provides a range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company operates across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure to serve both consumers and businesses. In the context of television production, Liberty Global has made significant investments, including the acquisition of TV3, Ireland's leading commercial broadcaster, for €80 million, which underscores their commitment to securing a foothold in the broadcasting landscape. Additionally, Liberty Global participated in a $1 billion seed-funding round for NewTV, a venture aimed at producing original short-form series, alongside major industry players like Disney and Fox. These transactions reflect Liberty Global's strategic interest in the television production industry, enhancing their portfolio beyond traditional telecommunications services.
2. Endemol Shine Group
- Website: banijay.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: endemolshine
Endemol Shine Group, founded in 2015 and based in Amsterdam, is a corporate investor specializing in television production and distribution. As part of Banijay Entertainment S.A., the world's largest production group, Endemol Shine Group boasts over 130 production labels and a catalogue exceeding 200,000 hours of programming. The company has been actively involved in significant transactions within the television production industry, including the acquisition of Bunim-Murray Productions, which is renowned for its reality shows like 'The Real World' and 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians.' This acquisition, valued between $50 million and $70 million, aims to enhance Bunim-Murray's international market presence. Additionally, Endemol Shine Group has expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of Authentic Prod, a French fiction production company, and a 51% stake in Israeli indie production company MoviePlus Productions, further solidifying its commitment to producing high-quality television content across various genres and markets.
3. Sky
- Website: sky.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: sky
Sky Group Limited is a media and telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1989. It offers a range of services including satellite television, broadband, and mobile communications, serving both consumers and businesses across multiple countries in Europe. In the context of television production, Sky has made significant investments, including acquiring a 60% stake in U.S.-based production company Jupiter Entertainment, which aims to leverage domestic growth alongside Sky's global reach. Additionally, Sky acquired a majority stake in Leeds-based True North Productions, known for its factual programming, as part of its strategy to expand international production capabilities. Furthermore, Sky's acquisition of a 70% stake in Love Productions, a leading independent production company in the U.K., highlights its focus on enhancing its production base. These transactions underscore Sky's active role in the television production industry, making it a notable investor in this space.
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, specializing in publishing and audio broadcasting. Founded in 1875, the company has grown to serve millions of consumers and businesses across Europe with a diverse range of products, including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. In recent years, Bauer Media has made significant strides in the television sector, notably through its acquisition of Télécâble Sat Hebdo, a leading TV magazine, which aims to strengthen its position in the French market. Additionally, Bauer Media has been active in the audio broadcasting space, acquiring various radio stations, which complements its media portfolio and enhances its overall market presence.
5. Itv
- Website: itvplc.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1955
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- LinkedIn: itv
ITV plc is a media company based in London, England, that operates as both a broadcaster and content producer. Founded in 1955, ITV has established itself as a key player in the television industry, offering a range of television and streaming services. The company is known for producing high-quality content for audiences while providing advertising opportunities for businesses. ITV has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its production capabilities, including the acquisition of Big Talk Productions in 2013, Mammoth Screen in 2015, World Productions in 2017, Twofour Group in 2015, and Leftfield Pictures in 2014 for $360 million. These transactions highlight ITV's focus on enhancing its original content business and its active engagement in the television production landscape.
6. Wpp
- Website: wpp.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: wpp
WPP plc is a prominent advertising and communications company based in London, England, founded in 1985. With over 10,000 employees, WPP provides a wide range of services including advertising, public relations, media buying, and market research. The company has been involved in several significant transactions in the media sector, including investments in MRC, which raised $175 million in a private equity round and $350 million in debt financing, both of which are relevant to television production. Additionally, WPP invested in Indigenous Media during its seed round, further emphasizing its interest in media and content creation. These transactions highlight WPP's strategic involvement in the television production landscape, making it a noteworthy player in the industry.
7. All3Media
- Website: all3media.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: all3-media
All3Media Limited is a prominent media production company based in London, England, specializing in television, film, and digital content. Founded in 2003, the company operates through a network of over 50 production labels and has a strong presence in the UK, US, and Europe. All3Media produces a diverse array of programming, including critically acclaimed dramas, engaging documentaries, and popular reality shows, catering to various broadcasters and streaming platforms globally. The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including Raw TV, known for its innovative documentary and factual programming; Optomen Productions, which has a strong reputation for producing high-quality television content; Two Brothers Pictures, recognized for the hit series 'Fleabag'; Neal Street Productions, founded by acclaimed director Sam Mendes; and New Pictures Limited, known for dramas like 'The Missing' and 'Indian Summers'. These acquisitions highlight All3Media's commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the television production industry.
8. 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. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in TVShow Time, a platform that allows users to track and discover television shows, raising $659,156 in a Seed Round in 2013. Additionally, they invested in Brut, a media company that focuses on video content, raising over $12 million in a Series A round in 2018. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the television production and media landscape, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.
9. 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. Among their notable transactions, EQT made a strategic investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) in July 2022, becoming the largest outside shareholder and aiming to enhance UTA's talent and innovation capabilities in the entertainment industry. Additionally, EQT acquired Com Hem, Sweden's leading cable TV operator, in April 2003, which further solidifies their involvement in the television sector. These investments highlight EQT's commitment to the media and entertainment industries, particularly in television production.
10. myCANAL
- Website: mycanal.fr
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Lacour-D'Arcenay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: mycanal
myCANAL, a streaming service provider under the CANAL+ Group, offers a diverse range of entertainment content, including films, series, and live sports, primarily catering to the French market. Founded in 1984, the company has made significant strides in the television production landscape through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in March 2024, myCANAL acquired a stake in Marodi TV, a leading series production company in West Africa, enhancing its presence in Francophone Africa. Additionally, the acquisition of the Nigerian Nollywood studio ROK in July 2019 further bolstered its original content development capabilities. In January 2023, myCANAL also acquired OCS, expanding its portfolio of content offerings. These transactions highlight myCANAL's active role in the television production industry, making it a key player in the market.
11. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération
- Website: bpifrance.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 198
- LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the context of television production, Bpifrance has made several notable investments, including a Series A funding round for Paradiso Media, a French podcast production company that focuses on producing film and TV adaptations, raising €5 million. They have also invested in Rushmix, a tech startup specializing in corporate video creation, which indicates their engagement in the media and entertainment sector. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the television production landscape.
12. Publicis Groupe
- Website: publicisgroupe.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1926
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: publicis-groupe
Publicis Groupe is a leading advertising agency and marketing consultancy founded in 1926, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. With over 10,000 employees, the company provides a wide range of services including advertising, public relations, and digital business transformation. In recent years, Publicis Groupe has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its production capabilities, notably acquiring Harbor Picture Company in 2017, which allows them to enhance their in-house production through their unit Prodigious. In 2024, they further expanded their production portfolio by acquiring Picture Motion, indicating a strong focus on integrating production services within their marketing and advertising framework. These transactions highlight Publicis Groupe's commitment to engaging with the television production industry, making them a significant player in this field.
13. 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 (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made several investments in the television production industry, including the acquisition of Twofour in July 2014, which is a well-known television production company. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Plimsoll Productions in August 2019, further solidifying their commitment to the sector. Their investment in Sohonet in March 2021, a provider of connectivity and media services for the media and entertainment industry, also highlights their strategic interest in supporting companies that facilitate television production and related services.
14. 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 prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer acquired GRB Studios in 1999, a company known for producing television content, which solidifies its involvement in the television production sector. Furthermore, Axel Springer has participated in significant funding rounds for media companies like OZY Media and Group Nine Media, indicating its active role in the media landscape, including television production.
15. Mediawan
- Website: mediawan.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: mediawan-corporate
Mediawan S.A. is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in media production and audiovisual content. Founded in 2015, Mediawan has rapidly established itself as a key player in the industry, producing, distributing, and publishing a diverse range of content, including scripted and non-scripted productions, documentaries, and animations. The company serves broadcasters and streaming platforms, providing high-quality content to engage audiences across multiple countries. In recent years, Mediawan has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the television production landscape. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Leonine Studios, which created a European production powerhouse with a vast catalogue of content, and the majority stake in Submarine, known for its work on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These strategic moves reflect Mediawan's ambition to enhance its international co-productions and build a robust catalogue of intellectual properties, further solidifying its relevance in the television production industry.
16. 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. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the television production industry, such as Spot Runner, a TV ad start-up that raised $40 million to create a system for selling unsold TV spots to local businesses. They also invested in CinemaNow, which raised $20.3 million in Series E funding, highlighting their engagement with media and entertainment. These investments indicate a willingness to support ventures that intersect with television production, making them a noteworthy player in this space.
17. Tinopolis
- Website: tinopolis.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Llanelli, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: tinopolis
Tinopolis is a corporate investor based in Llanelli, Wales, United Kingdom, founded in 1989. As a television production and distribution company, Tinopolis creates and distributes a wide array of content, including entertainment, factual programming, drama, and live sports. The company serves major broadcasters and digital platforms, ensuring high-quality programming that meets audience demands. Tinopolis has made significant strides in the television production landscape through strategic acquisitions, including A. Smith & Co. Productions, known for unscripted shows like 'Kitchen Nightmares' and 'Hell’s Kitchen', and Magical Elves, the producer of Bravo's 'Top Chef'. These acquisitions, along with others such as Firecracker Films and Passion Distribution, highlight Tinopolis's strategy to enhance its production capabilities and strengthen its presence in both the UK and US markets. With a workforce of 501-1000 employees, Tinopolis operates through multiple production companies, showcasing its robust involvement in the television industry.
18. 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 Milk VFX, a company that collaborates with top film and TV producers, receiving £2 million to expand its operations and enhance its capabilities. Additionally, BGF has invested in Snipple Animation Studios, further demonstrating its involvement in the animation and visual effects sectors of television production. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the television production industry.
19. Zinc Media Group
- Website: zincmedia.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: zinc-media-group
Zinc Media Group is a corporate media production company based in London, England, specializing in content creation that includes documentaries, TV series, corporate films, and branded content. Founded in 1999, the company has established itself as a key player in the media landscape, serving global broadcasters and brands with high-quality storytelling that engages and informs audiences. Zinc Media Group has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions of production companies, notably acquiring Raw Cut Television in 2024 for approximately $1.3 million, and Tern Television Productions in 2017 for £5.45 million. Other notable acquisitions include Blakeway Productions and Below The Radar Ltd, further solidifying their presence in the television production sector. Their focus on factual storytelling and unscripted entertainment positions them as a significant contributor to the television production industry.
Television Production Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty Global | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 2005 | 7 |
Endemol Shine Group | Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands | 5001-10000 | 2015 | 2 |
Sky | United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 1989 | 2 |
Bauer Media Group | Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany | 10001+ | 1875 | 2 |
Itv | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 5001-10000 | 1955 | 0 |
Wpp | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 1985 | 2 |
All3Media | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1001-5000 | 2003 | 0 |
Kima Ventures | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2010 | 50 |
EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
myCANAL | Lacour-D'Arcenay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France | 501-1000 | 1984 | 3 |
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2015 | 198 |
Publicis Groupe | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 10001+ | 1926 | 7 |
Ldc | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1981 | 15 |
Axel Springer | Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 10001+ | 1946 | 1 |
Mediawan | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1001-5000 | 2015 | 2 |
Index Ventures | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1996 | 67 |
Tinopolis | Llanelli, Wales, United Kingdom (UK) | 501-1000 | 1989 | 0 |
Bgf | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2011 | 53 |
Zinc Media Group | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 201-500 | 1999 | 1 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the television production industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the television productionindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
Trusted by 700+ companies

















