Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The book publishing industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region—comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—is a robust sector characterized by a rich tapestry of companies. These range from traditional publishers producing printed books to modern digital platforms offering e-books and audiobooks. The industry has evolved rapidly, incorporating technology to cater to changing consumer preferences. With a steady rise in self-publishing and independent authors, along with enhanced accessibility through online platforms, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ focus is increasingly on innovative storytelling. The industry is embracing new formats, driving demand for diverse voices and genres, and adapting to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital age with sustainability in mind.

The investment landscape includes a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms primarily located in urban centers like Berlin, Munich, and Flensburg. With organizations ranging from employee strength of 1 to over 10,000, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investors' strategies reflect varying degrees of engagement, from direct acquisitions to early-stage funding. Established across decades, from 1972 to 2021, 2024 saw substantial deal activity, with firms like HV Capital making 28 investments. This portfolio illustrates a balanced approach, capturing growth opportunities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving book publishing industry.

Top 15 Book Publishing Investors in DACH

1. 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, music production, and notably, book publishing. The company has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Penguin Random House in July 2017, which solidified its position as a leading publisher. In November 2020, Bertelsmann announced its agreement to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhancing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann has invested in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., acquiring a stake to access Japan's large book market. These strategic moves underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing sector, making it a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

2. Axel Springer

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1946
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Axel Springer SE is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider, and is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. The company has been involved in several significant transactions that reflect its strategic interests in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape. For instance, Axel Springer participated in funding rounds for Group Nine Media, which raised substantial amounts to enhance its digital content capabilities. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of N24 Media GmbH aimed to bolster multimedia editorial capabilities, showcasing Axel Springer's commitment to expanding its media reach. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ minority interest in Mic Network highlights its focus on engaging with younger audiences through digital platforms. These activities demonstrate Axel Springer's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media and publishing sectors, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing investment landscape.

3. bmp Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, bmp Ventures invested in brand eins Verlag, a publishing company, in a seed round in June 2011. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir more prominent focus on tech companies and entrepreneurs. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions include investments in LOST iN, a company that raised funds in seed rounds in 2016 and 2018, and United Games Entertainment GmbH, which raised funds in a Series A round in 2019. These diverse investments reflect bmp Ventures' strategy of supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including publishing.

4. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over â‚�2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They have a diverse portfolio, including notable investments in Audible, which raised funds in 2004 and 2006 through post-IPO equity rounds. Audible is a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ audiobook sector, which intersects with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies like 7trends and Bol.com, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to traditional book publishing. Their strategic guidance helps startups navigate growth challenges and achieve market success across Europe.

5. Acton Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Acton Capital has a notable history of investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing context, having invested in AbeBooks, an online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also focuses on book sales. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have supported Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books and media in Germany. These transactions highlight Acton Capital's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book industry, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in supporting companies that operate within this sector.

6. Possible Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, totaling 9 investments in 2024 alone. One of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions includes a pre-seed investment in ForgeFiction, a platform designed for community writing, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry by fostering creative writing and storytelling. Additionally, Possible Ventures has invested in Podimo, a platform that focuses on audio content, including podcasts, which can be considered a modern extension of storytelling and publishing. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also invested in Omeda Studios, a game developer, indicating a broader focus on technology and entertainment raÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r than exclusively on book publishing.

7. Hubert Burda Media

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 1903
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Hubert Burda Media is a prominent media and technology company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms, serving both consumers and businesses. They have a strong focus on sustainability and innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Immediate Media Co. in January 2017, which is recognized as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK's leading special interest content and platform company. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, as Immediate Media publishes various magazines, including those related to niche interests. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of StockFood and Shoplove furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir media portfolio, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies focus on food and digital marketing, respectively. Overall, Hubert Burda Media's diverse investments and acquisitions position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader publishing landscape.

8. Holtzbrinck Digital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Holtzbrinck Digital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital education, science, and content sectors. Holtzbrinck Digital supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and strategic guidance, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in transactions such as figshare and Altmetric, both of which are relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ academic and content publishing landscape. Figshare provides a platform for researchers to share Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir findings, while Altmetric tracks Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ attention and engagement of research outputs, both of which are significant in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of book publishing and academic content dissemination.

9. Project A

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, offering consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in Wonderbly, a children's book publisher based in London, participating in both Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series A and Series B funding rounds in 2016 and 2017, respectively. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on tech entrepreneurship. Project A's diverse investment portfolio and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in funding a publishing company demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and willingness to engage with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing sector.

10. Museum Ravensburger

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1883
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Museum Ravensburger is a corporate investor based in Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1883. The company is primarily known as a toy manufacturer and retailer, specializing in board games, puzzles, and educational toys. They serve families and educational institutions by providing engaging products that promote learning and interaction. In addition to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir core business, Ravensburger has shown interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing sector, notably leading a Series B funding round for Wonderbly, a children's book publisher based in London, UK, which raised £6.4 million in June 2017. This investment highlights Ravensburger's commitment to supporting innovative companies that create personalized and interactive children's books, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio beyond traditional toys and games.

11. BayBG Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital firm based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups grow and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. BayBG has a strong focus on technology companies, leveraging its extensive network and experience to support portfolio companies in navigating market challenges. Notably, BayBG has invested in Digital Publishing, which raised EUR 5 million in a financing round, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector. This investment reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir willingness to support ventures that intersect with technology and publishing, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry.

12. Cherry Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in startups across Europe. With a team of 11-50 professionals, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provide capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative companies aiming to create lasting impact in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir industries. Notably, Cherry Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Morressier, a startup focused on academic publishing and research integrity, raising significant amounts in Series A and B rounds. They also invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that enhances content production and partnerships, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in media and publishing sectors. These transactions highlight Cherry Ventures' engagement with companies that have a direct or indirect connection to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry.

13. redalpine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups. Redalpine has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ scholarly publishing domain. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds for Morressier, a Berlin-based startup focused on research integrity and scholarly publishing. Redalpine led a seed funding round for Morressier in 2017, contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's development of new features and engineering talent. They also participated in Morressier's Series A and Series B funding rounds in 2021 and 2024, respectively, which aimed to enhance product innovation and expand market reach. Additionally, Redalpine's investment in Car Throttle, which plans to launch new publications across various topics, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector. Overall, Redalpine's strategic investments in companies related to publishing highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential relevance in this industry.

14. EnjoyVenture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

EnjoyVenture GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in seed and growth financing for technology start-ups. Founded in 2000, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has invested in over 150 businesses, providing not only financial support but also strategic consulting to help start-ups navigate challenges and achieve market success. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, EnjoyVenture participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for readfy on June 1, 2014. Readfy is a platform that allows users to read digital books, which places it squarely within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry. This investment highlights EnjoyVenture's engagement with innovative business models in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology.

15. YoungBrains

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50

YoungBrains GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in fostering entrepreneurship by providing seed capital to startups, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m secure Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ necessary funding to launch and grow Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. One notable transaction in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in EDITION F GmbH, a company that raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round on January 1, 2015. This investment highlights YoungBrains' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in supporting ventures that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book publishing industry.

Book Publishing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	10001+	1946	1
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	3
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	10001+	1903	0
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	1-10	2010	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	51-200	2012	13
	Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	1883	0
	Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany	51-200	1972	3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	25
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2006	18
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2000	2
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	11-50	2009	0

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