Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The stop motion animation industry in Europe uniquely blends creativity and craftsmanship, bringing characters to life frame by frame. Companies range from large studios like Aardman Animations to smaller independent creators, all producing a variety of films, series, and commercials using this labor-intensive technique. The industry has experienced a resurgence with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of streaming platforms seeking original content, paving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ way for innovative storytelling. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, as technology advances, hybrid approaches that incorporate CGI with traditional stop motion are gaining traction, enhancing artistic expression and broadening audience appeal.

Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ various investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European stop motion animation industry are venture capital and private equity firms. With headquarters scattered from London to Paris, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms range from small players to major corporate entities, some boasting thousands of employees. Established predominantly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last couple of decades, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y exhibit a strong commitment to fostering growth within animation, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ combined deal counts of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investors varied significantly, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on animation, entertainment, and creative technology.

Top 15 Stop Motion Animation Investors in Europe

1. Endemol Shine Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Endemol Shine Group, a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, is a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment S.A., which specializes in television production and distribution across various genres. Founded in 2015, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ group has over 130 production labels and a vast catalogue of more than 200,000 hours of programming. In recent years, Endemol Shine Group has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation sector, notably acquiring Monello Productions, a French animation studio, in April 2021. This acquisition allows Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to expand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities in animation, including potential stop motion projects. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Procidis in September 2024, known for its educational entertainment, and Kindle Entertainment, enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ kids' edutainment sector, indicating a strategic focus on youth-oriented content that may include various animation styles. These transactions highlight Endemol Shine Group's commitment to diversifying its content offerings, including animation, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stop motion animation industry.

2. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-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 to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Kima Ventures has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation space, including Kukua, which secured funding for an animated television series aimed at children, and Animaj, which raised over $5 million in a seed round. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Sekai Studio, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation industry. Their diverse portfolio reflects a proactive approach to supporting innovative companies, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stop motion animation sector.

3. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Snipple Animation Studios, which raised $8,141,488 in a venture round in January 2021, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation sector. Additionally, BGF invested £2 million in Milk VFX in June 2017, a company that works with major film and TV producers, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ visual effects and animation industry. BGF's investment in ER Productions in October 2024 also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing interest in companies that operate within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creative industries, including animation.

4. Mediawan

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Mediawan S.A. is a corporate investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. The company specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production, distribution, and publication of a wide range of audiovisual content, including scripted and non-scripted productions, documentaries, and animations. Mediawan has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2023, Mediawan acquired a majority stake in Submarine, a production company recognized for its animated works, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy to enhance international co-productions and build a strong catalogue of intellectual properties. Additionally, Mediawan has made oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r acquisitions, such as Wildseed Studios and Misfits Entertainment, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape. These transactions reflect Mediawan's commitment to diversifying its content offerings and engaging with various forms of animation, including stop motion.

5. THQ Nordic

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

THQ Nordic is a corporate investor based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It operates as a video game publisher and developer, offering a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, maintaining a strong community presence. In recent years, THQ Nordic has expanded its reach through several acquisitions, including Metricminds, a German animation studio specializing in motion capture, which was acquired on February 24, 2022. This acquisition highlights THQ Nordic's interest in animation technologies, although its primary focus remains on video game development. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r notable acquisitions include Purple Lamp Studios, Plaion, and Appeal Studios, all of which contribute to THQ Nordic's growing influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector.

6. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi invested in Plotagon, which raised $3 million in 2015 and is known for its animation software that allows users to create animated videos easily. This investment highlights Almi's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creative technology sector, which includes animation. Additionally, Almi has participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies like Flarie and Reactional Music, indicating a diverse portfolio that may include opportunities related to animation and creative content.

7. Motier Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

Motier Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, including FinTech and Creative Technologies. They provide funding, mentorship, and access to a corporate network to support entrepreneurs in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth. Notably, Motier Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation industry, such as a Series A investment of $23,452,858 in Animaj in September 2023 and a Seed Round investment of $10,874,092 in Sekai Studio in July 2024. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creative sector, particularly in animation, which includes stop motion projects.

8. Mercia Asset Management PLC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn:

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, helping businesses secure necessary funding to scale operations. Notably, Mercia has invested in Red Star 3D, which raised $130,513 in debt financing, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation sector. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in creative industries, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stop motion animation space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio includes investments in technology-driven companies, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovation.

9. Ldc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made several investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media and entertainment industry, including Plimsoll Productions, which raised funds in 2019, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Twofour in 2014. Additionally, LDC invested in Sohonet, a company that provides connectivity and media services for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment industry, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in sectors that could intersect with stop motion animation. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to supporting growth in creative industries, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of stop motion animation.

10. Maven Capital Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Recently, Maven has been involved in notable transactions such as a £250,000 funding package for Second Home Studios Limited (SHSL), an animation studio that will use Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funds to upgrade its facilities and equipment for producing long-form animation series. This investment not only supports Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of SHSL but also contributes to job creation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ local economy. Additionally, Maven has participated in various funding rounds across different industries, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment strategy while maintaining a focus on growth-oriented businesses.

11. Eurazeo

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn:

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has established a significant presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Notably, Eurazeo has been involved in key transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Asmodee in 2014 for approximately $132.76 million, which is a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming and entertainment sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Xilam in 2017 highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in animation, as Xilam is recognized for its animated productions, including stop motion projects. These transactions reflect Eurazeo's strategic approach to investing in companies that have Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential for growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment space, including animation.

12. Octopus Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 37
• LinkedIn:

Octopus Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2008, specializing in backing founders and startups across a diverse range of sectors including B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech, and Health. They provide funding and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of building and scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Notably, Octopus Ventures has invested in We Got POP, a FilmTech startup, which raised £2 million to support its expansion and innovative approach to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ film industry. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ film sector, which may include stop motion animation. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology-driven companies like Papercup and iSIZE Technologies, indicating a broader interest in media and technology that could intersect with animation.

13. Burda Principal Investments

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Burda Principal Investments is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in growth stage investing in digital technology and media companies, providing long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S., and Asia. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a funding round for Kukua, an edtech company that is developing an animated television series, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r media-related investments, such as WaitWhat, a media invention company, and Skillshare, an online learning community for creativity, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in creative and media industries.

14. M Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Toulouse, Occitanie, France
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

M Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Toulouse, Occitanie, France, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private debt, with a strong focus on responsible investment strategies that align with economic, environmental, and social values. M Capital caters to a diverse clientele, including private investors, institutional clients, and public organizations, aiming to create value through impactful investments. Notably, M Capital has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation industry, including a seed round investment in ON Animation Studio Montreal, which is recognized for its animated productions. They also participated in venture funding for Studio M and Nightshift, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ creative sector, which may encompass stop motion animation projects.

15. Novator Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Novator Partners LLP is a private equity and investment management company based in London, UK, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in growth equity and capital markets investments, primarily focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, health, and technology. Notably, Novator Partners has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ animation and visual effects industry, including a substantial investment in DNEG, which raised $400 million in February 2022 and $250 million in August 2021. DNEG is known for its work in animation and visual effects, including projects that may involve stop motion techniques. Additionally, Novator led a Series B funding round for Klang Games, a game development studio, which, while not directly related to stop motion animation, reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in creative industries. These transactions highlight Novator's strategic approach to supporting businesses that enhance operational performance and drive growth in sectors that intersect with animation.

Stop Motion Animation Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	5001-10000	2015	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	2015	2
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	501-1000	2011	0
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2021	30
	Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1982	41
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2009	25
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2008	37
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2016	5
	Toulouse, Occitanie, France	51-200	2002	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2003	1

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stop motion animation industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stop motion animationindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!