German Media Pool

German Media Pool is Germany's leading independent media-for-equity investor, specializing in scaling startups through media investments. Founded in 2011, the firm has invested over €400 million in gross media volume across more than 75 investment rounds into 36 startups. Their portfolio includes successful companies such as ABOUT YOU, momox, CLARK, Sanity Group, and Grover. The firm collaborates with premium media groups to provide comprehensive media campaigns, including television, radio, out-of-home, and print, to accelerate the growth of consumer-facing companies.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on consumer-facing companies at Series A or later stages, with a typical media investment ranging from €5 million to €10 million per deal. German Media Pool operates across Europe, partnering with media groups in countries including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and several Eastern European markets. This extensive network allows them to offer media-for-equity investments not only in Germany but also across Europe, providing startups with a broad reach and significant growth potential.

German Media Pool's approach combines media investments with strategic guidance, aiming to enhance brand visibility and market penetration for its portfolio companies. Their track record includes over 20 successful exits, three IPOs, and two unicorns, demonstrating their effective strategy in scaling startups through media partnerships. The firm's experienced team, led by co-founders Aljoscha Kaplan and Niko Waesche, brings a wealth of expertise in media, venture capital, and marketing strategy, positioning German Media Pool as a key player in the European startup ecosystem.