The comic book publishing industry in Europe has a rich history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. It features a mix of established firms and innovative startups that focus on producing and distributing comic books, graphic novels, and related media. Major players in this market include traditional publishers, independent creators, as well as digital platforms that cater to a tech-savvy audience. As the interest in comic culture rises, fueled by adaptations in film and television, the industry is leaning towards exploring new formats, such as digital comics and NFTs. This evolution promises fresh audiences and revenue streams.

The investors in this article range from corporate giants to venture capitalists, reflecting the dynamic nature of the comic book publishing sector. Based in locations like London, Paris, and Stockholm, these firms vary in size, with employee counts from under ten to over five thousand. Founded between the late 18th and early 21st century, they represent a mix of established history and modern thinking. In 2024, some of these investors actively made deals, indicating a robust interest in innovative comic projects, while others positioned themselves within the industry without making new investments during that year.

Top 8 Comic Book Publishing Investors in Europe

1. 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. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for several companies in the comic book publishing space, including Fourth Wall, which raised over $1 million in December 2021, and Unbound, which raised over $200,000 in October 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the comic book industry, alongside other sectors.

2. Embracer Group

• Website: embracer.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: embracergroup

Embracer Group is a corporate investor based in Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden, founded in 1999. The company specializes in game development and entertainment publishing, creating and distributing a wide range of video games across various platforms. In addition to its core focus on gaming, Embracer Group has made significant acquisitions in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of Dark Horse Comics on December 21, 2021. This acquisition highlights Embracer Group's strategic move into the comic book publishing industry, complementing its existing portfolio. Other notable acquisitions include Gearbox Software, Crystal Dynamics, and Asmodee, which further demonstrate the company's commitment to expanding its influence in the entertainment landscape.

3. Hachette Livre

• Website: hachette.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1826
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: hachette-livre

Hachette Livre is a prominent publishing company based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1826. It specializes in book publishing, educational materials, and games, serving a diverse customer base that includes educational institutions and consumers seeking quality literature. Hachette Livre operates globally, leveraging an extensive network of over 200 editorial brands to provide a wide range of content. Notably, Hachette Livre has made significant acquisitions in the publishing industry, including a 25% stake in the Moscow-based trade publishing group Azbooka-Atticus in 2011, and the complete acquisition of Bragelonne and Bragelonne Games in 2022, which is particularly relevant as Bragelonne is known for its graphic novels and comic books. Other acquisitions include Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. and Hodder Headline, further solidifying Hachette Livre's position in the publishing market.

4. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

• Website: bertelsmann.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: bertelsmann-multimedia-gmbh

Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a prominent media, services, and education company based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates globally, providing a diverse range of products including television and streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in the publishing sector, including a 3% stake in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., a major Japanese publisher known for its comic books and manga. This acquisition, announced in 1999, allowed Bertelsmann to tap into Japan's vast book market. Furthermore, the company's acquisition of Penguin Random House in 2017 and Simon & Schuster in 2020 for $2.175 billion highlights its commitment to expanding its influence in the publishing industry, which encompasses comic book publishing as well. These transactions demonstrate Bertelsmann's strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in the media and publishing sectors.

5. Tezos

• Website: tezos.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: tezos

Tezos is a blockchain platform founded in 2018, based in Zug, Switzerland, that enables the creation of decentralized applications and smart contracts. It is known for its energy-efficient and upgradable blockchain solution, which serves a diverse clientele, including developers, artists, and organizations. In 2023, Tezos was involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to the art and creative sectors, particularly in the context of NFTs and digital art. Notable transactions include support for comic30, Kaleido Art, NFT Biennial, M1X Labs, and ArtSquare.io, all of which raised undisclosed amounts in Non Equity Assistance. These initiatives reflect Tezos's engagement with projects that could intersect with comic book publishing, especially as the industry explores new digital formats and distribution methods.

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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi invested in Once Upon Publishing, which raised $560,000 in a Seed Round on April 8, 2018. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in the comic book publishing sector, showcasing their willingness to support creative industries alongside their broader investment strategy. Additionally, Almi has been involved in various other sectors, including technology and software, but their investment in Once Upon Publishing is particularly relevant to the comic book publishing context.

7. Arnoldo Mondadori Editore

• Website: mondadorigroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Segrate, Lombardy, Italy
• Founded year: 1907
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, founded in 1907 and based in Segrate, Lombardy, Italy, is a prominent corporate investor in the publishing and retail sector. The company specializes in the production and distribution of books and magazines, operating over 500 bookstores across Italy and offering an e-commerce platform for online sales. In recent years, Mondadori has made significant moves in the comic book publishing industry, notably acquiring a 51% stake in Edizioni Star Comics in June 2022 for €14.28 million, which has positioned them with approximately 30% market share in the Italian comic book market. Furthermore, in February 2024, Mondadori acquired 51% of Star Shop Distribuzione for €4.6 million, allowing them to implement a vertically-integrated business model in the comics segment. These transactions highlight Mondadori's strategic focus on expanding its influence and operations within the comic book publishing landscape.

8. Hiro Capital

• Website: hiro.capital
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: hirocapital

Hiro Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in innovative companies within the gaming, esports, and technology sectors. They provide funding, strategic insights, and networking opportunities to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Hiro Capital led a funding round for Skybound Entertainment, a prominent player in the comic book publishing industry, which indicates their interest in the sector. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for gaming companies such as Firestoke and DreamCraft, showcasing their commitment to supporting creative content development. Their focus on building the future of games, digital sports, and metaverse technologies positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of entertainment, which may intersect with comic book publishing.

Comic Book Publishing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Embracer Group	Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden	51-200	1999	0
Hachette Livre	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1001-5000	1826	0
Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
Tezos	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	10001+	2018	5
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore	Segrate, Lombardy, Italy	1001-5000	1907	3
Hiro Capital	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2019	5

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