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

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 EUR 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
[https://webmail.iriscapital.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=36db662f38544dcea1d12b74a6aa747c&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.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



This is a current press release from Mediakraft Networks GmbH. If you do not wish to
receive any further press releases from us, please send a short message to
presse@mediakraft.de.



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Press contact Mediakraft Networks:
Neue Weyerstrasse 6
D-50676 Köln
+49-221-630-631-0
presse@mediakraft.de



Mediakraft Networks GmbH


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