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The publishing industry in Europe is a vibrant sector that blends traditional and digital formats. It includes companies like book publishers, magazines, and multimedia firms, all working to deliver content that informs, inspires, and entertains. With shifting consumer habits and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of digital media, companies are pivoting to offer innovative solutions such as audiobooks, e-books, and subscription services. The future points toward furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r integration of technology to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ reading experience, allowing readers access to a world of information at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir fingertips. Unique start-ups are emerging, linking authors and publishing services in exciting new ways.

Our list of investors reveals a mix of corporate, venture capital, and media companies, primarily headquartered in major European cities like London and Paris. Spanning sizes from small firms to industry giants with over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors bring diverse strategies. Notable deal activities in 2024 saw Kima Ventures making 50 investments, while Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a substantial player, completed three. Founded between 1798 and 2015, each investor contributes to shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing landscape in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir unique way, reflecting a strategic commitment to supporting growth in this sector.

Top 12 Publishing Investors in Europe

1. Storytel

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

Storytel AB is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2005. It operates as a subscription service offering a wide range of audiobooks, e-books, and podcasts, catering to consumers seeking convenient access to digital reading and listening materials. Storytel has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2016, Storytel acquired Norstedts Förlagsgrupp, a prominent Swedish publisher, for £12.5 million, marking a key step in its growth strategy. In 2021, it acquired a 70% stake in Lind & Co, allowing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ existing CEO to maintain a minority stake, which indicates a collaborative approach to management. Additionally, Storytel expanded its reach in Finland by acquiring Gummerus Kustannus Oy, Aula & Co., and People'sPress, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nordic publishing market. These transactions highlight Storytel's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, making it a relevant investor in this field.

2. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1986. The company specializes in a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books, academic resources, and digital content, catering to readers, educators, and institutions. Bloomsbury has made several significant acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing market. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Fairchild Books in 2012 for $6.5 million, aimed at enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US academic publishing market, particularly in fashion and design education. In 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired I.B. Tauris for £5.8 million, focusing on scholarly content related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Middle East and political publishing. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r acquisitions, such as Zed Books in 2020 and Absolute Press in 2011, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r illustrate Bloomsbury's strategy to expand its publishing portfolio and reach. With a count of 2 investments in 2024, Bloomsbury continues to be an active player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry.

3. 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. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Reedsy, a platform that connects authors with publishing professionals, and Instaread, which provides summaries of books. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Glose, a collaborative reading platform aimed at enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ reading experience for students and teachers. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

4. Hachette Livre

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1826
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Hachette Livre is a leading publishing company based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Founded in 1826, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company specializes in book publishing, educational materials, and games, catering to a diverse customer base that includes educational institutions and consumers seeking quality literature. Hachette Livre operates globally, leveraging its extensive network of over 200 editorial brands to provide a wide range of content. The company has been involved in several significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Headline in 2004, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK market. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ same year, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hodder Headline for approximately $400 million, allowing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to control about 13% of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK consumer publishing market. Additionally, Hachette Livre acquired a 25% stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Moscow-based trade publishing group Azbooka-Atticus in 2011, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir international presence. More recently, in 2022, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ remaining share capital of Bragelonne, a move that followed a previous merger in 2019. These transactions highlight Hachette Livre's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry and its strategy to enhance its market position through acquisitions.

5. Taylor & Francis Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Abingdon, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1798
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Taylor & Francis Group is a prominent academic publisher based in Abingdon, England, specializing in scholarly publishing across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. Founded in 1798, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a rich history of supporting researchers and academics by providing platforms for publishing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir work and accessing a vast array of journals and books. Taylor & Francis has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry through several significant acquisitions, including CRC Press in 2003, which enhanced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. professional publishing market. In 2014, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired M.E. Sharpe and Acumen Publishing Ltd, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir academic publishing portfolio. More recently, in 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Transaction Publishers, and in 2013, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir imprint CRC Press acquired Manson Publishing, a specialist medical publisher. These transactions highlight Taylor & Francis Group's strategic focus on growing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir influence and capabilities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

6. 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 promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, including Unbound, which raised $202,519 in October 2023, and Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in February 2017. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment activities.

7. 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 a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television, streaming, music production, and notably, book publishing. The company has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, acquiring Penguin Random House in 2017, which solidified its position as a leading publisher. In 2020, Bertelsmann furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanded its publishing portfolio by agreeing to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, aiming to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann holds a stake in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., a prominent Japanese publisher, allowing it to tap into Japan's substantial book market. These strategic acquisitions underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, making it a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

8. Sanoma

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 1889
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn:

Sanoma is a media and educational publishing company based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1889. It provides a diverse range of learning solutions and media content, including printed and digital learning materials, teaching platforms, and publishing news and entertainment content. Sanoma serves educational institutions and media consumers across multiple European countries. The company has made several notable acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Independent Media Holding B.V. in 2005, which positioned it as a leading consumer magazine publisher in Russia. In 2020, Sanoma acquired Santillana Spain for EUR 465 million, enhancing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Spanish K-12 learning services market. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Nowa Era, a Polish educational publishing company, and Pearson Italia, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European educational publishing market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Iddink Group in 2019 aimed to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its learning business, showcasing Sanoma's strategic focus on educational publishing.

9. Future

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Future plc is a corporate media company based in London, England, founded in 1985. It specializes in connecting consumers with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir passions through high-quality content and innovative technology. Future operates various specialist media brands and engages with both consumers and businesses, providing trusted information and resources across multiple industries. Notably, Future has made several key acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dennis Publishing for $415 million in August 2021, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in consumer media. In March 2019, Future acquired Mobile Nations, a consumer electronics publisher, for up to $120 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tech publishing space. Additionally, Future acquired Marie Claire US in May 2021, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ women's lifestyle vertical. They also acquired five specialist consumer titles from Haymarket Media Group in March 2018, including What Hi-Fi? and FourFourTwo, which are well-regarded in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective niches. These transactions highlight Future's commitment to expanding its influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry.

10. The Quarto Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn:

The Quarto Group is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1976. As a prominent book publisher, Quarto specializes in illustrated books for both adults and children, operating globally with a diverse range of titles across various genres. Their customer base includes individual consumers and educational institutions seeking engaging and educational materials. Quarto emphasizes quality and creativity in its publications. Notably, Quarto has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its publishing portfolio, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of becker&mayer! in 2016, which aimed to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sales in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. children's publishing market. They also acquired Harvard Common Press, adding hundreds of titles and over 25,000 recipes to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir offerings. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant acquisitions include Aurum Press, Frances Lincoln, and Cool Springs Press, which have allowed Quarto to expand its niche content and strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and U.S. publishing markets.

11. 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 by providing a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, such as Short Edition, which raised $953,317 in a seed round, and Glose, a social and collaborative reading platform that secured â‚�3 million in financing. Additionally, Majelan, a company focused on audio content, raised $6,704,817 in a Series A round, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative publishing solutions. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, despite its broader investment strategy.

12. Seedcamp

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn:

Seedcamp is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, providing financial backing and support to founders in areas such as product-market fit, sales, and access to a vast network of investors. Seedcamp has a strong focus on technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in several companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, including Reedsy, which raised funds in 2014 to connect authors with publishing professionals, and 24Symbols, a digital reading platform that raised funds in 2012. These investments highlight Seedcamp's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

Publishing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	501-1000	2005	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1986	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1826	0
	Abingdon, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1798	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	5001-10000	1889	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1985	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1976	0
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2007	40

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