Access Industries

Access Industries is a privately held industrial group founded in 1986 by American-Ukrainian billionaire Len Blavatnik. Headquartered in New York, the conglomerate maintains a diverse global portfolio spanning natural resources and chemicals, media and telecommunications, real estate, and technology. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that focus on early-stage startups, Access Industries operates more akin to a private equity firm or a holding company, engaging in large-scale strategic investments and acquisitions of established businesses or late-stage growth companies.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by its long-term horizon and significant capital deployment, often involving the acquisition of controlling stakes or entire companies. A prime example of their substantial investment capacity is the acquisition of Warner Music Group in 2011 for approximately $3.3 billion, a move that solidified their presence in the global entertainment industry. They are also a major backer of DAZN, a global sports streaming service, into which they have reportedly invested over $1 billion, showcasing their commitment to disruptive digital platforms.

Access Industries' involvement in the technology and digital media sectors typically targets companies that are already mature or require substantial capital for global expansion. Their investments are not typical seed or Series A rounds but rather significant growth equity or pre-IPO funding. For instance, their investment in music streaming service Deezer involved a substantial capital injection, exceeding $100 million. This approach allows them to leverage their vast resources to drive growth and create value across their portfolio companies, often taking an active role in their strategic direction.

Given their operational model, Access Industries' 'first cheques' are not for nascent startups but for substantial stakes in businesses with proven models and significant scaling potential. Their investment sizes reflect this focus on larger, more established entities, making them a formidable player in the global investment landscape.