German Webvideo Content Enters a New Dimension: Mediakraft to Invest Further US$ 23 Million, Securing its Leadership Position

COLOGNE, Germany, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Successful financing, including world-leading media investors

Mediakraft Networks, the largest online TV broadcaster in Central Europe, achieved a significant milestone for the webvideo industry in Europe. Never before, has an online TV multi-channel network in Germany and the European Union secured a higher venture financing. "This is the next level for the online video industry. We are redefining and revolutionizing video content for online audiences and the new financing will boost our power for customers and partners while cementing our leading position in the market" said Spartacus Olsson, CEO of Mediakraft Networks. 

In this second round of financing, Mediakraft Networks will receive total proceeds of US$ 23 million (16.5 million Euros). Lead investor and new on board with Mediakraft is Iris Capital (Paris), one of the world's leading venture capital investors in the digital sector. Another new investor is Capnamic Ventures (Cologne), which has already participated in numerous successful German start-ups. Shortcut Ventures (Hamburg) extended its existing level of participation. Altium Capital, a leading international mid-market corporate finance advisory group, acted as M&A advisor to Mediakraft Networks. "This significant financing volume is a big sign of trust - for Mediakraft as well as for the market" said Olsson.

In order to excite viewers with an even broader and deeper range offering, the new funding will be used to expand Mediakraft's creative forces and to extend its unique web video offering through significant investments in its infrastructure, as well as in the development of content. "For our brand customers, our artists and their channels, this is great news. They will benefit from even better production capabilities and marketing power to crank up awareness and maximize reach" added Christoph Krachten, President of Mediakraft Networks. "Mediakraft is the home of online video's top digital stars, channels and content. We are dedicated to developing talent, creating premium programming, and building lasting brand-relationships with engaged audiences", he said.

"Mediakraft Networks is the driving force in the super fast-growing market for online video. We are thrilled and excited to be on board in what is the most promising space in the entertainment sector" said Erkan Kilicaslan, Partner at Iris Capital.

Christian Siegele, Partner at Capnamic Ventures: "We got to know the Mediakraft team as complementary and sophisticated and are confident that they will revolutionize the way broadcasting is experienced tomorrow."

Martin Ostermayer of Shortcut Ventures added; "We are glad to join forces with our new partners for continued investment into the explosive growth that Mediakraft Networks is creating."

With more than 2,000 channels, 36 million subscribers and 1.5 million daily viewers, generating around 350 million views per month on online platforms like YouTube, Yahoo and ClipFish, Mediakraft Networks has established itself as the top online video network for Millennials. The network supports video makers from all important areas, in order to create high quality, relevant content for millions of viewers each day. Mediakraft Networks focuses on the 14 to 34 year old age group, which is a target group that is increasingly difficult for advertisers to reach via traditional television. Online videos represent the leading medium for young visitors, and they want to be able to view them when and where they like. They can find content in the networks of Mediakraft Networks that perfectly matches their viewing and usage habits.

Mediakraft Networks was launched in 2011 as the first German-language multi-channel network. The media group has now grown to become one of the leading online TV providers in Europe and reaches millions in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey. The program of Mediakraft Networks provides a wide range of information and entertainment offers covering a wide variety of viewer interests.

About Mediakraft Networks 

Mediakraft Networks is one of the leading online-TV-stations in Europe and operates several multi-channel networks on different platforms. Headquartered in Munich and with offices in Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Warszaw and Istanbul, Mediakraft fosters the best and most talented video creators on site and supports them in creating content for millions of viewers of all ages. All combined Mediakraft Networks reaches about 16 million monthly individuals with its networks from the genres of entertainment, information, lifestyle, gaming, sports and urban culture.

About Iris Capital 

Iris Capital is a pan-European venture capital fund manager specializing in digital economy. Since its inception in 1986, the Iris Capital team has invested more than € 1 billion in more than 230 companies. Iris Capital targets opportunities in service or technology companies, seeking growth capital in order to realize their strategy. It provides active support to its portfolio companies on the basis of its strong sector specialization and experience, and has offices in Paris, Cologne, San Francisco, Montreal, Riyadh, Dubai, Beijing and Tokyo. In 2012 Iris Capital has entered into a strategic partnership with Orange and Publicis to manage their joint venture capital initiative. Further information available at: http://www.iriscapital.com.

About Capnamic Ventures 

Capnamic Ventures is a multi-company Venture Capital Fund with offices in Cologne and Berlin backed by large companies out of the media, entertainment, retail and software industry. Its investments and successful exits include: adjust, Glamloop, Interhyp, Learnship, lieferando, Mister Spex, navabi, Picanova, plista, reBuy, Tradoria and Travador. Further information available at: http://www.capnamic.de

About Shortcut Ventures 

Shortcut Ventures is the venture capital company from founders for founders, which helps start-ups get onto the fast lane without any detours. The investment strategy of Shortcut Ventures focuses on international start-ups in the Internet, mobile, games and social media sectors. In addition to financial support, the companies benefit from direct access to the extremely valuable founder know-how. Shortcut Ventures is managed by the successful founders and entrepreneurs Dirk Freise, Martin Ostermayer and Thorsten Rehling (such as for blau.de, handy.de). Their portfolio includes the start-ups Mediakraft Networks, SumUp, tado and yuilop. Further information available at: http://www.shortcut.vc

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