German Media Pool

German Media Pool (GMPVC) is a leading independent media-for-equity fund based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in providing substantial media volume to fast-growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) companies. Established as a unique investment vehicle, GMPVC partners with a consortium of Germany's most prominent media houses, including ProSiebenSat.1, RTL Deutschland, Ströer, and Bauer Media Group, to offer advertising budget in exchange for equity stakes. This innovative model allows portfolio companies to leverage extensive television, out-of-home, print, and radio advertising campaigns without the immediate need for cash, enabling rapid brand building and customer acquisition.

The fund primarily targets B2C businesses, including e-commerce platforms, D2C brands, B2C SaaS solutions, marketplaces, and mobile applications that can significantly benefit from broad media exposure. GMPVC has demonstrated a strong track record, having completed over 100 media-for-equity deals since its inception. Their investment approach is structured through dedicated funds; Media-for-Equity Fund I, launched in 2011, deployed over €100 million in media volume, followed by Media-for-Equity Fund II in 2017, which commanded over €200 million in media volume. This cumulative media firepower of over €300 million underscores their significant capacity to support ambitious growth strategies.

A typical first investment from German Media Pool involves a media volume ranging from €1 million to €25 million, which translates to approximately $1.08 million to $27 million based on current exchange rates. This substantial commitment of advertising resources is designed to accelerate market penetration and brand recognition for their portfolio companies. Beyond traditional equity-for-media swaps, GMPVC also explores flexible financing options such as Media-for-Revenue-Share and Media-for-Debt, tailoring their offerings to the specific needs and growth stages of their investees. Their strategic value extends beyond just media, providing portfolio companies with access to a vast network and deep expertise in consumer marketing.