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The music merchandising industry in DACH encompasses businesses that design, produce, and sell music-related products and services, capitalizing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ popularity of artists and bands. This sector includes concert merchandise, streaming services, and music publishing, supported by both established firms and startups. Technology is reshaping how companies engage with fans, enhancing experiences through digital platforms and innovative merchandise. As music consumption evolves, so does Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ merchandising landscape, prompting players to adopt creative strategies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of independent artists is driving fresh opportunities in this booming market.

The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors headquartered across major DACH cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Zurich. Most operate with medium to large teams, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir founding dates range from 1875 to 2020. Over Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ course of 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors demonstrated a keen interest in music merchandising, with numbers of deals reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment. For instance, notable players like Bauer Media Group and CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA made impactful investments, showcasing a robust engagement in this sector.

Top 12 Music Merchandising Investors in DACH

1. Bmg

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music, ensuring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y receive fair compensation. BMG has been actively involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which features iconic artists like Depeche Mode and Nick Cave. Additionally, BMG acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ recorded catalog of Mötley Crüe, encompassing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir entire discography, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ key music interests of Simple Minds, which includes publishing rights to over 240 songs. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music portfolio and supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ artists Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y represent, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

2. Bauer Media Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 1875
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Bauer Media Group is a prominent media company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in publishing and audio broadcasting. Founded in 1875, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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 acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music broadcasting sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland, and Planet Rock, a national digital radio station known for classic rock music. These acquisitions reflect Bauer's strategy to enhance its digital radio portfolio and engage with music audiences, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services.

3. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA is a corporate investor based in Bremen, Germany, founded in 1999. The company specializes in ticketing services and event promotion, providing solutions for concerts and festivals. They operate a digital platform for ticket sales and collaborate with various promoters across multiple countries. Notably, CTS EVENTIM has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ live music sector. These include acquiring a controlling stake in Vivo Concerti, an Italian concert and musical promoter, and a majority stake in DreamHaus GmbH, which organizes major festivals like 'Rock am Ring' and 'Rock im Park'. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of a controlling interest in Talent Concert International, a leading Russian tour promoter, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions, CTS EVENTIM is positioned as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape, actively promoting and facilitating live music events.

4. Speedinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in ForTunes, a platform that aids artists and music professionals in managing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir careers, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment strategy, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with ForTunes highlights a specific interest in music-related ventures.

5. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Matchspace Music, which raised funds in a Pre Seed Round in 2021, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with Staxe, anoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r music-related startup that raised funds in 2018. These investments highlight Sictic's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in early-stage companies that may contribute to music merchandising.

6. Best Nights VC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Best Nights VC is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in investments in consumer tech startups that are connected to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nightlife and entertainment industries. They aim to support innovative entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to enhance social experiences and live entertainment. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a significant investment round for un:hurd Music, an artist marketing platform, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio includes investments in companies like FlickPlay, which may intersect with music and entertainment, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to bridging culture and technology in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment space.

7. 468Cap

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn:

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in technology investments and focuses on backing founder-led startups across various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. Notably, 468Cap has also invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space, with significant transactions such as Encore Music Technologies, which raised $9 million in a seed round in February 2022, and Turntable Labs, which secured $8.2 million in a seed round in August 2024. These investments highlight 468Cap's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative companies within this sector.

8. IBB Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Skoove, a Berlin-based music tech startup that raised â‚�3M in a recent funding round. This investment highlights IBB Ventures' engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in areas that intersect with technology and education. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio includes various sectors, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with Skoove positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

9. Wellington Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, investing in early- and growth-stage companies to provide capital and strategic support. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus is on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics and medical devices, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a $16 million funding round for Goom Radio, a company aiming to innovate radio for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital generation, and a $50 million investment in Spotify during its Series B round. These transactions highlight Wellington Partners' engagement with companies that are reshaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music landscape, indicating a broader interest that extends beyond Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir core focus on life sciences.

10. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

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

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 over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a diverse portfolio that includes television and streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which was a pioneering move in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital music space. They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Musicbank, which raised $20 million in 2000, and invested $100 million in JioSaavn, a prominent music streaming service in India, in 2015. These transactions highlight Bertelsmann's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry and its potential for growth in music merchandising.

11. Verve Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including multiple rounds of funding for iMusician, a platform that aids independent artists in distributing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music. They also participated in funding rounds for Groover, a music promotion platform that connects independent artists with industry professionals. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in areas that intersect with music merchandising, such as distribution and promotion.

12. Serpentine Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Serpentine Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in managing investments in early-stage technology ventures, providing venture capital and investment management services to high net worth individuals, professional investors, and institutional clients. Notably, Serpentine Ventures has participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding round for Mictic, a music wearables startup, which raised $2.5 million in November 2021. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology-focused ventures such as PatchXR and AVA, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se do not directly pertain to music merchandising. Their experience in identifying promising investment opportunities positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential contributor to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

Music Merchandising Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Bremen, Bremen, Germany	1001-5000	1999	1
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2018	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2020	27
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1998	9
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2019	2

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