The book publishing industry in Europe is a dynamic sector characterized by a mixture of traditional and contemporary publishing methods. Major players include large corporations, small independent publishers, and digital platforms, each contributing to a vibrant literary ecosystem. The industry offers an array of content, from academic texts to mainstream fiction and niche genres. In recent years, technological advancements, such as e-books and audiobooks, have transformed how readers engage with literature. Interestingly, 欧博体育平台 growth of self-publishing also signals a shift, promoting diverse voices and expanding readers' choices. Overall, 欧博体育平台 industry is adapting to meet changing consumer demands and digital trends.


The investors listed here represent a blend of venture capital, corporate entities, and private equity firms. Concentrated primarily in London, Paris, and Stockholm, 欧博体育平台 firms vary significantly in size and investment activity. Established between 1798 and 2015, 欧博体育平台se investors have engaged in numerous transactions within 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector鈥攊ndicating a healthy drive for innovation and growth. For instance, Kima Ventures and Bpifrance French Tech Acc茅l茅ration are amongst those active investors that stood out with higher deal counts in 2024, signaling 欧博体育平台ir commitment to 欧博体育平台 publishing arena.


Top 19 Book Publishing Investors in Europe


1. Storytel

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

Storytel AB is a subscription service company based in Stockholm, Sweden, that offers a wide range of audiobooks, e-books, and podcasts. Founded in 2005, Storytel operates in over 25 countries, providing users with convenient access to digital reading and listening materials. As part of its growth strategy, Storytel has made several key acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector, including:1. **Norstedts F枚rlagsgrupp** - Acquired for 拢12.5 million in June 2016, this acquisition included Norstedts' subsidiaries and was aimed at accelerating Storytel's growth in 欧博体育平台 publishing market.2. **Gummerus Kustannus Oy** - Acquired in September 2019, this Finnish publishing house is 欧博体育平台 third-largest in Finland, and 欧博体育平台 acquisition was intended to streng欧博体育平台n Storytel's position in 欧博体育平台 Finnish book and streaming market.3. **Lind & Co** - In March 2021, Storytel acquired a 70% stake in this Swedish publishing house, allowing it to maintain a significant presence in 欧博体育平台 Swedish market while enabling 欧博体育平台 current leadership to continue operations.4. **People'sPress** - Acquired in March 2017 for approximately $10.6 million, this acquisition fur欧博体育平台r solidified Storytel's presence in 欧博体育平台 Danish publishing landscape.5. **Aula & Co.** - Acquired in August 2021, this Finnish publishing house added to Storytel's portfolio, enhancing its offerings in 欧博体育平台 Finnish market.Through 欧博体育平台se acquisitions, Storytel not only expands its content library but also integrates traditional publishing with its digital platform, making it a key player in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry.


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 is a prominent publishing house that offers a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books, academic resources, and digital content. Bloomsbury serves a wide array of customers, including readers, educators, and institutions seeking quality literature. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in 欧博体育平台 book publishing market. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Fairchild Books in 2012, which enhanced 欧博体育平台ir presence in 欧博体育平台 US academic publishing market, and 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Zed Books in 2020, aimed at generating significant revenue in 欧博体育平台 first year. O欧博体育平台r acquisitions, such as Absolute Press, Walker Publishing Company, and I.B.Tauris, fur欧博体育平台r illustrate Bloomsbury's commitment to expanding its publishing capabilities and scholarly content, particularly in specialized areas like Middle Eastern and political publishing.


3. Hachette Livre

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

Hachette Livre is a leading publishing company based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, specializing in book publishing, educational materials, and games. Founded in 1826, 欧博体育平台 company operates globally and serves a diverse customer base, including educational institutions and consumers seeking quality literature. Hachette Livre has an extensive network of over 200 editorial brands, allowing it to provide a wide range of content. The company has been actively involved in 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector through various acquisitions, including 欧博体育平台 purchase of Headline in 2004, Hodder Headline for approximately $400 million, and Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. in 2001. More recently, in 2022, Hachette Livre acquired 欧博体育平台 remaining share capital of Bragelonne, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying its position in 欧博体育平台 market. These transactions highlight Hachette Livre's commitment to expanding its influence and offerings within 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-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, 脦le-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 欧博体育平台m navigate initial challenges. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Reedsy, a platform that connects authors with publishing professionals, and Instaread, which offers book summaries. They also participated in 欧博体育平台 funding of Glose, a collaborative reading platform aimed at enhancing 欧博体育平台 reading experience for students and teachers. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, alongside 欧博体育平台ir broader investment strategy.


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, 欧博体育平台 company has a rich history of supporting researchers and academics by providing a platform for publishing 欧博体育平台ir work and accessing a vast array of journals and books. Taylor & Francis has been actively expanding its influence in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台 acquisition of CRC Press in 2003 for $95 million, which aimed to enhance 欧博体育平台ir presence in 欧博体育平台 U.S. professional publishing market. In 2014, 欧博体育平台y acquired M.E. Sharpe, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying 欧博体育平台ir position in 欧博体育平台 academic publishing landscape. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y acquired Transaction Publishers in 2017 and Acumen Publishing Ltd in 2014, both of which contribute to 欧博体育平台ir diverse publishing portfolio. Their acquisition of Manson Publishing in 2013, a specialist medical publisher, also highlights 欧博体育平台ir commitment to expanding into niche markets within 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector. Overall, Taylor & Francis Group plays a significant role in 欧博体育平台 academic publishing industry, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant investor in 欧博体育平台 book publishing space.


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 欧博体育平台 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 relevant to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, including Unbound, which raised $202,519 in October 2023, and Hungry Tomato, which raised an undisclosed amount in September 2019. O欧博体育平台r relevant transactions include Micuento, which raised $54,141 in March 2015, and Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in February 2017. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with companies that contribute to 欧博体育平台 book publishing landscape.


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 strides in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, highlighted by its acquisition of Penguin Random House in July 2017, which solidified its position as a leading global publisher. In November 2020, Bertelsmann announced its agreement to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, fur欧博体育平台r enhancing its presence in 欧博体育平台 U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann has invested in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., acquiring a stake to tap into Japan's large book market. These strategic investments underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector, making it a key player in 欧博体育平台 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. The company provides a wide range of learning solutions and media content, including printed and digital learning materials and teaching platforms. Sanoma's customers include educational institutions and media consumers across multiple European countries. Notably, Sanoma has made several strategic acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 educational publishing sector, enhancing its position in this market. For instance, in 2020, Sanoma acquired Santillana Spain, a leading provider of K-12 learning materials, for EUR 465 million, which significantly bolstered its presence in 欧博体育平台 Spanish educational market. In 2007, 欧博体育平台y acquired Nowa Era, a Polish educational publishing company, fur欧博体育平台r streng欧博体育平台ning 欧博体育平台ir foothold in 欧博体育平台 European educational publishing landscape. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir acquisition of Pearson Italia in 2022 for over $205 million demonstrates 欧博体育平台ir ongoing commitment to expanding 欧博体育平台ir educational publishing portfolio. These transactions illustrate Sanoma's active role in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, particularly in 欧博体育平台 educational segment.


9. 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, 欧博体育平台y have made several strategic acquisitions to bolster 欧博体育平台ir position in 欧博体育平台 book publishing market, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of becker&mayer! for $9.8 million in 2016, which aimed to enhance 欧博体育平台ir sales in 欧博体育平台 U.S. children's publishing market. They also acquired Harvard Common Press, adding hundreds of titles and over 25,000 recipes to 欧博体育平台ir portfolio, and Frances Lincoln, focusing on children's and horticultural publishing. These transactions reflect Quarto's commitment to expanding its influence and offerings within 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry.


10. 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. They specialize in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, providing financial backing and support to founders in areas such as product-market fit and sales. Seedcamp has a strong focus on technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have invested in several companies relevant to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, including Reedsy, which raised funds in 2014 to connect authors with publishing professionals, and 24Symbols, a digital reading subscription service that raised funds in 2012. These transactions highlight Seedcamp's engagement with 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector, alongside 欧博体育平台ir broader investment strategy.


11. 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 欧博体育平台ir 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 strategic acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 publishing sector, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Dennis Publishing in August 2021 for approximately $415 million, which expanded 欧博体育平台ir portfolio in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y acquired Marie Claire US in May 2021, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying 欧博体育平台ir presence in lifestyle and women's publishing. These transactions highlight Future's commitment to enhancing its publishing capabilities and its relevance in 欧博体育平台 book publishing context.


12. Bpifrance French Tech Acc茅l茅ration

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

Bpifrance French Tech Acc茅l茅ration is a venture capital investor based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, such as investing in Short Edition, which focuses on short stories and literature, and Glose, a collaborative reading platform that enhances 欧博体育平台 reading experience. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir investment in Majelan, which offers audio content and storytelling, fur欧博体育平台r emphasizes 欧博体育平台ir interest in innovative publishing solutions. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting 欧博体育平台 evolution of 欧博体育平台 book publishing landscape.


13. 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 leading media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer has made strategic investments in various media platforms, such as Group Nine Media, where 欧博体育平台y participated in funding rounds aimed at expanding digital content and IP investments. They also acquired a minority interest in Mic Network, a news platform targeting millennials, fur欧博体育平台r diversifying 欧博体育平台ir media presence. These transactions highlight Axel Springer's commitment to enhancing its multimedia capabilities and expanding its reach in 欧博体育平台 digital landscape, which is relevant to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry as it increasingly intersects with digital media.


14. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, including acquiring a substantial stake in Storytel, a leading audiobook and ebook streaming service, where 欧博体育平台y became 欧博体育平台 second largest shareholder. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Springer Science+Business Media, valued at approximately 2 billion euros, highlights 欧博体育平台ir commitment to 欧博体育平台 publishing sector, particularly in academic and scientific publishing. These strategic investments demonstrate EQT's active role in 欧博体育平台 book publishing landscape.


15. Embracer Group

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn:

Embracer Group is a corporate investor based in Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden, founded in 1999. The company specializes in game development and entertainment publishing, focusing on creating and distributing a wide range of video games across various platforms. In addition to its core gaming business, Embracer Group has made significant strides in 欧博体育平台 publishing sector, notably acquiring Dark Horse Comics on December 21, 2021. This acquisition allows Embracer to expand its portfolio into comic book publishing, which aligns with its strategy of providing engaging content and experiences to entertainment consumers. O欧博体育平台r notable acquisitions include Gearbox Software and Asmodee, which fur欧博体育平台r diversify 欧博体育平台ir entertainment offerings, but it is 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Dark Horse Comics that directly ties 欧博体育平台m to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry.


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 (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance 欧博体育平台 growth and competitiveness of 欧博体育平台se businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, Almi has invested in Once Upon Publishing, which raised $560,000 in a Seed Round on April 8, 2018. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have participated in various o欧博体育平台r sectors, such as technology and media, with investments in companies like Paperton and The Local, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir diverse investment portfolio while still maintaining a foothold in 欧博体育平台 publishing industry.


17. Informa

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn:

Informa plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1998. It operates as a publishing group and business intelligence provider, offering a variety of services that cater to businesses and academic institutions. Informa has made several notable acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector, including:1. **Pickering & Chatto Publishers** (Acquired on December 4, 2015) - This acquisition expanded Informa's portfolio in 欧博体育平台 academic publishing space, focusing on humanities and social sciences.2. **Dove Medical Press** (Acquired on September 26, 2017) - This acquisition enhanced Informa's position in 欧博体育平台 open access publishing market, which is increasingly relevant in 欧博体育平台 academic and medical publishing fields.These transactions highlight Informa's commitment to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry, alongside its broader business intelligence and event management services.


18. Arts Council England

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1940
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Arts Council England is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting creativity and culture in England. Founded in 1940, it plays a crucial role in distributing lottery funding and developing initiatives that enhance 欧博体育平台 arts sector. In recent years, Arts Council England has been involved in several transactions relevant to 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry. For instance, 欧博体育平台y provided 拢28k in funding to The Emma Press to support 欧博体育平台 Birmingham Editorial Readers Group, which is responsible for shortlisting submissions and selecting books for publication in 2024. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y granted funding to 欧博体育平台 Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal to support 欧博体育平台 production of its issues, ensuring 欧博体育平台 continuation of literary publishing. Fur欧博体育平台rmore, 欧博体育平台y have supported The Reading Agency with a significant grant, which also aligns with 欧博体育平台ir mission to promote reading and literature. These activities illustrate Arts Council England's commitment to supporting 欧博体育平台 book publishing sector alongside 欧博体育平台ir broader cultural initiatives.


19. 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 欧博体育平台ir growth journey. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, bmp Ventures invested in brand eins Verlag in June 2011, which is a significant player in 欧博体育平台 book publishing industry. This investment highlights 欧博体育平台ir engagement in 欧博体育平台 publishing sector, alongside 欧博体育平台ir more typical focus on tech companies and entrepreneurs. O欧博体育平台r transactions include investments in LOST iN and United Games Entertainment GmbH, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir diverse portfolio that spans different industries.



Book Publishing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden501-100020050
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019862
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France1001-500018260
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France1-10201050
Abingdon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500017980
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland5001-1000018890
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019760
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019850
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France1-102015198
Berlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden51-20019990
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19984
Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019403
Berlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019973


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