Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The music merchandising industry in Europe centers around Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sale of artist-related products, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles. This sector serves not only famous musicians but also emerging artists, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir brand presence. Driven by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of online retail and social media, companies like merch producers and e-commerce platforms increasingly cater to fiercely loyal fanbases. The industry sees major growth in sustainable product offerings, reflecting consumersâ€� desires for ethical merch. Additionally, technology is reshaping how fans engage through personalized experiences, making this industry a lively nexus of creativity and commerce with plenty of future potential.

The 16 investors in this list hail from various sectors, including venture capital and corporate investment, with headquarters primarily in London and Paris. Founded between 1945 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors showcase a rich history and a strong presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market. Many, such as BGF and Crowdcube, focus on supporting smaller enterprises, while corporate giants like Believe and BMG emphasize artist-related services. In 2024 alone, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors engaged in numerous deals, signaling a vibrant interest in growth and innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising sector.

Top 16 Music Merchandising Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. Crowdcube has been involved in notable transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in equity crowdfunding in 2017, and Signature Brew, which raised $243,384 in 2015. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising sector while also promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

2. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

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. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, such as leading funding rounds for SoundCloud, a major platform for music distribution, and Songkick, a service that connects fans with live music events. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting companies that enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music experience, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a valuable partner for entrepreneurs in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising space.

3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Groover, a music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024, and MatchTune, which raised $4 million in Series A funding in May 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

4. 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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Scottish rock band Simple Minds, encompassing over 240 songs, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entire recorded catalogue of Mötley Crüe, which includes nine studio albums and all live albums from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir extensive career. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's commitment to enhancing its music portfolio and supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ artists it represents, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

5. 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 Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for backing two startups per week, providing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with both financial support and mentorship to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir initial challenges. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, Kima Ventures invested in Groover, a music tech startup that raised â‚�1.3 million to enhance its matching system for artists and expand internationally. They also backed Aiva Technologies, which uses artificial intelligence to compose emotional soundtracks, and Soundcharts, a music analytics firm that raised $3.1 million to expand its operations. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in areas that intersect with technology and analytics.

6. Lvmh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company boasts a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. LVMH serves affluent consumers and businesses, providing exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage. Notably, LVMH has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label closely associated with music culture through its founder Virgil Abloh, who has strong ties to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. This acquisition highlights LVMH's strategic interest in brands that resonate with contemporary cultural movements, including music merchandising. Additionally, LVMH's acquisition of Bulgari and investments in various startups demonstrate its commitment to expanding its luxury brand portfolio, which may include future opportunities in music-related merchandising.

7. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in 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 companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, such as One Media IP Group, which raised £6M to support music catalog acquisitions, and Sentric Music, a music publishing company that received a multi-million pound investment to accelerate its international expansion and fund future acquisitions. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising space.

8. LocalGlobe

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has invested in several companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Songkick, which raised $15,000 in a pre-seed round in 2007, and Sofar Sounds, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in 2014. These investments highlight LocalGlobe's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in areas that enhance live music experiences and ticketing solutions.

9. Venrex

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2002, that specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. The firm provides funding and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in Everpress, a platform that enables artists to create and sell custom merchandise, which is directly relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising industry. Additionally, Venrex has participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups like Shotgun and HUG, which, while not directly related to music merchandising, showcase Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm's focus on innovative consumer platforms. Venrex operates from its offices in London and New York, and has been active in various funding rounds, indicating a robust investment strategy.

10. Believe

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Believe SAS is a digital music company based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The company provides distribution and marketing services for independent artists and labels, empowering Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir careers and reach audiences through innovative technology and expert support. Believe has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its services and expand its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ full acquisition of TuneCore, a digital music distribution and publishing administration company, which aims to enhance services for independent artists. Additionally, Believe acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ French independent label Naive, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ German metal label Nuclear Blast, and a 49% stake in Tôt ou tard, reflecting its shift towards artist services and development. Most recently, Believe reached an agreement to acquire a 25% stake in Global Records, a leading independent dance music company in Central and Eastern Europe. These transactions highlight Believe's commitment to supporting artists and adapting to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving music landscape.

11. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow sustainably. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has invested in TouchTunes Interactive Networks, a New York City-based entertainment provider, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a minority stake for $40 million. This investment is particularly relevant as TouchTunes focuses on expanding its digital jukebox offerings, which directly ties into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising industry. Additionally, 3i has been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as investments in Leaf Group and Polyconcept, which, while not directly related to music merchandising, showcase Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in diverse sectors.

12. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including a leading role in financing Epidemic Sound, which raised substantial funds to support its growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing space. Additionally, EQT's recent takeover bid for Believe, a company focused on digital music distribution, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. These transactions illustrate EQT's strategic interest in music-related businesses, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising landscape.

13. Permira

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of YMU, a UK-based talent management firm, for approximately USD $76 million in March 2024. This acquisition followed a financial restructuring aimed at enhancing YMU's growth potential, indicating Permira's commitment to supporting businesses within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. Additionally, Permira has been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant transactions, such as leading funding rounds for companies like Minted and Catawiki, showcasing its active role in fostering growth across diverse industries.

14. Superstruct Iberia

• Website: superstruct.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Superstruct Iberia, founded in 2017 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a corporate investor specializing in live entertainment, particularly in premium live music festivals and events. The company is part of Superstruct Entertainment, which has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry through various strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Boiler Room, a platform known for its live music events, and Elrow, a prominent electronic music promoter, aimed at expanding its global reach. Additionally, Superstruct has invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Flow Festival, a key Finnish music festival, and acquired The Music Republic, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Spanish festival scene, for approximately 120 million euros. Their acquisition of Apenkooi Group furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ electronic music event space. These activities highlight Superstruct Iberia's dedication to enhancing cultural relevance and creative experiences within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

15. Partech

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn:

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Groover, a Paris-based music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024, aimed at empowering independent artists and enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir promotional capabilities. Additionally, Partech was involved in a $16 million funding round for Goom Radio in 2009, a company focused on redefining radio for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital generation. These transactions highlight Partech's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in areas that intersect with music merchandising.

16. 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. Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several music-related ventures, including Starmony, a music tech company that allows users to create and release music globally, and Auddly, a song project management platform backed by notable figures in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in technology that supports music creation and management.

Music Merchandising Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2019	15
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	2005	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
Superstruct Iberia	Madrid, Madrid, Spain	51-200	2017	1
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1982	24
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music merchandising industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• ...and much more!