Could “Media for Equity” become the new investment and revenue diversification model for startups and broadcasters in Central Eastern Europe?

In a market filled with rapid change and uncertainty, D2C startups and media groups have started looking for new opportunities to help drive new ad spend on TV and grow revenue. This paper explores the evolution of Media for Equity as a driver for revenue growth and diversification through the lenses of European startups and broadcasters, the challenges to successful implementation, and the best practices to overcome them.

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Contributors

DEFINITION OF MEDIA FOR EQUITY

Media for Equity is an alternative business model where mature startups are trading equities to media conglomerates in exchange for advertising space.

40+ pages of actionable insights, case studies and expert interviews on media for equity

What is media for equity?

The evolution of this model across different European hubs

How media for equity emerged as a solution to combat startup failures and diversify revenue for media holdings

Media funds structures, challenges and opportunities for broadcasters and media agencies

A 5-step guide for CEOs to get started with Media for Equity investments

Tapping into new opportunity spaces - Media for Equity in Central Eastern Europe

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Benefits for Media Broadcasters

Ability to generate additional advertising revenues

1

Stimulate a new market segment

2

Promote innovation and develop new external partnerships

3

What investors say

Compared to early-stage funding rounds, this model presents less risk and higher chances for significant returns.Media for equity model is almost always used between conventional rounds of venture financing or alongside cash investments to fund high-growth startups.

Luise Grunner

German Media Pool

A lot of mistakes that media owners make are that they think it's a way to make a quick revenue, they think they can maybe do it in-house with existing teams. It's better to partner with external organisations that understand the startup ecosystem.

Vinay Solanki

Head of Channel 4 Ventures

What are key factors that media broadcasters should consider before trading advertising for a share in the capital?

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3 Benefits for Startup Founders

Accelerate growth

1

Acquire the right level of marketing expertise

2

Scaling business across borders

3

What founders say

Implementation of a Media for Equity deal doesn't resume only to advertising. It also means mentorship, access to know-how, and if done right, higher market share.

Chris Sheldrick

Co-Founder and CEO at what3words

Implementation of a Media for Equity deal doesn't resume only to advertising. It also means mentorship, access to know-how, and if done right, higher market share.

Anders Murman

DEVERSIFY

87% of companies that completed a media for equity deal are still active today. Learn more about what it takes for a startup to successfully apply this model.

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We can work with your team

Sponsor new research

Understand the media landscape in your region and its readiness for Media for Equity investments

Build strong brand reputation and benefit from ongoing exposure

Grow relationships and gain direct access to your target market

Investor Services

Widen your net of potential investment opportunities

Increase your chances of exclusivity - tap into overlooked markets in Europe

Connect with international Media Funds from the US, Asia, Canada and Europe, and support each other's portfolio of companies

Startup Fundraising

Help you choose the right route to investment - be it Media for Equity, Private Equity of a combination of both

Help you choose the best investor match

Refine your pitch and produce the marketing collaterals to make you stand out

Events, News and Insights

Media for Equity - An untapped opportunity in Central Eastern Europe

Join senior media experts and founders to discuss the evolution of Media for Equity as a driver for revenue growth and diversification, the challenges to successful implementation, and the best practices to overcome them.

5 Step guide for CEOs to get started with Media for Equity

Traditional broadcasters are coming under threat from new business models, technologies, and ways of connecting with viewers. As a result, TV stations globally are exploring opportunities for revenue diversification beyond advertising.

[Business Review] Media for equity, the efficient alternative solution for investments in startups

The research, unique at the European level, highlights the “media for equity” investment as an effective solution for financing “direct-to-consumer” startups and a promising alternative for media organizations to increase profitability for TV stations that are facing digital disruptions.