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The record label industry in DACH, standing for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, plays a vital role in music production and distribution. This sector consists of various entities, including independent labels and large corporations that offer artists recording, promoting, and marketing services. Recently, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of digital platforms has transformed how music is consumed, shifting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ focus to streaming and online distribution. As Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry evolves, innovative technologies are enhancing artist engagement and discovering new talent. Additionally, with a growing emphasis on equity in music rights, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ landscape is becoming more artist-centric, ensuring fair compensation for creators and expanded opportunities for exposure.

The investors listed below vary widely in type, ranging from venture capitalists to corporate players. They are predominantly located in major cities such as Berlin and Zurich. Established between 1997 and 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms represent different sizes, with some employing tens and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs thousands of people. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors engaged in numerous deals, with varied deal counts reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active involvement in burgeoning sectors, including music technology and entertainment. Their combined commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label industry showcases a robust and evolving investment landscape in DACH.

Top 12 Record Label 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 in promoting and distributing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music while ensuring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y receive fair compensation. BMG has made several notable acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Mute Records from Universal Music Group, which features iconic artists like Depeche Mode and Nick Cave. They also acquired Nashville's BBR Music Group, which encompasses multiple record labels and a music publishing company, marking Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir return to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nashville scene. Additionally, BMG has acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ assets of S-Curve Records, known for its pop music, and World Circuit Records, recognized for its unique catalog of Cuban and West African music. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, BMG acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ label behind Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Buena Vista Social Club, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label market. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se strategic acquisitions, BMG has established itself as a key investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label industry.

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, founded in 1875. It specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a diverse range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. The company serves millions of consumers and businesses across Europe, focusing on enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services. In recent years, Bauer Media has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ audio broadcasting sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Planet Rock, a national digital radio station known for classic rock music, and Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland. These acquisitions highlight Bauer Media's commitment to enhancing its digital radio portfolio and its engagement with music content, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label industry.

3. 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 services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to music distribution and digital media. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir earlier investment in Musicbank, which raised $20 million in 2000, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in music-related ventures. These transactions underline Bertelsmann's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label and music production landscape, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a noteworthy investor in this field.

4. 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, specializing in technology investments. Founded in 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on backing founder-led startups across various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. With a global investment approach, operating from dual headquarters in Berlin and San Francisco, 468Cap has made 27 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Encore Music Technologies, which raised $9 million in a seed round on February 16, 2022, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Turntable Labs, which raised $8.2 million on August 29, 2024. These transactions highlight 468Cap's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in technology-driven solutions that could benefit record labels.

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, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Matchspace Music, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round on October 30, 2021. This investment highlights Sictic's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology-focused investments such as Staxe and OPTUNE. Their diverse portfolio indicates a willingness to explore various sectors, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label space.

6. 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 music distribution. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with Groover, a music promotion platform that empowers independent artists and connects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with industry professionals. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology and innovation.

7. 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. The firm aims to support innovative entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to enhance social experiences and live entertainment. Notably, Best Nights VC participated in a seed investment round for un:hurd Music, an artist marketing platform, alongside notable figures like Kobalt founder Willard Ahdritz. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, which is relevant to record labels. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r ventures such as Hustle Sasa, although less directly related to music. Their focus on bridging culture and technology positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential ally for record labels looking to innovate in artist promotion and engagement.

8. b2venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. They specialize in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in IDAGIO, a music streaming service that raised $9.5 million in a Series A round in December 2017. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, which is relevant to record labels. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Restorm, although this company is less directly related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label context.

9. 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 providing funding and support to innovative startups, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early stages of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir development. With a portfolio of over 270 startups, IBB Ventures offers not only financial backing but also expertise and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has invested in Skoove, a Berlin-based music tech startup that raised â‚�3M in funding, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label sector, as Skoove operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music education space, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader music ecosystem.

10. Atlantic Labs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir entrepreneurial journey. They focus on investing in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs was involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round investment for SoundCloud in March 2009, a significant platform in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music streaming industry. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ record label context, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment focus.

11. Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in providing Growth Debt financing to mid-late stage technology companies in Europe, particularly in Germany. They offer customized loan facilities aimed at helping businesses grow, expand into new markets, and enhance shareholder value while minimizing dilution and management distraction. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a significant debt funding round for SoundCloud, which raised $70 million to support its growth and development in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in supporting platforms that intersect with record labels and music distribution.

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 transactions such as Mictic, a music wearables startup that raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for PatchXR, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovative technology solutions. By leveraging Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir extensive experience, Serpentine Ventures helps clients navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape and identify promising investment opportunities, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

Record Label Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2020	27
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2018	0
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2013	13
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2015	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2019	2

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• ...and much more!