Media Development Investment Fund

Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) is a not-for-profit investment fund based in New York City, established in 1995. It focuses on providing debt and equity financing to independent media businesses in regions with a history of media oppression. MDIF aims to promote sustainable business models for independent news outlets by offering affordable financing and technical assistance. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $238 million, which includes $207 million in loans and equity investments, along with $30.6 million in technical assistance and other grants. The organization has earned $42.7 million from interest, dividends, and capital gains while recovering more than $74.3 million of its principal investments. MDIF has supported 123 clients across 42 countries and, as of September 30, 2020, managed a portfolio valued at $109.5 million, allocated to 44 media businesses in 28 countries.

Kihara Kiarie

Chief Investment Officer

Harlan Mandel

CEO

Past deals in Media

Petit Press

Venture Round in 2021
Petit Press, as is one of the most important publishers in Slovakia. It provides a wide range of multimedia products and services. The portfolio of printed periodicals includes more than 30 central and regional titles with a weekly sales volume of over 545,000 copies. Digital media is represented in particular by the most visited news portal SME.sk , which has almost 2.3 million visitors per month .

Insajder

Debt Financing in 2021
Operator of a multimedia platform. The company specializes in cable channel that produces and broadcasts current information and documentary programs.

Suara

Seed Round in 2017
Operator of an online media platform intended for News. The company's platform is a news portal targeting millennials with a primary focus is political news, in particular local issues, enabling people with day-to-day updates.

Rappler

Venture Round in 2016
Rappler is a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fueled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves). It is a new world of limitless collaboration enabled by new technology and connected by social media. Rappler promises uncompromised journalism that - hopefully - inspires smart conversations and ignites a thirst for change.

Agora SA

Post in 2016
Agora SA is a prominent media company in Poland, primarily engaged in the publishing of daily newspapers and magazines. It is best known for "Gazeta Wyborcza," the largest opinion-forming newspaper in the country, and also publishes the Metro newspaper along with several glossy magazines. In addition to print media, Agora offers a range of online services through its internet portals, including Gazeta.pl, Sport.pl, and Blox.pl. The company is active in the radio broadcasting sector, operating over 15 radio stations, which feature well-known brands such as TOK FM, Rock Radio, and Golden Hits. Agora's diverse portfolio allows it to cater to a wide audience across various media platforms.

ElMeme

Seed Round in 2014
El Meme is a digital news and entertainment outlet based in Argentina, established in 2014. The company focuses on identifying and monitoring trends to help audiences understand current events and their relevance. With a network of over 10,000 creative professionals, including writers, filmmakers, and designers, El Meme reaches more than 30 million young millennials across the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina each month. The platform offers services in digital content production and distribution, including content marketing and native advertising, while also utilizing programmatic buying and social media strategies to target specific audiences. By combining entertaining and informative content, El Meme assists clients in developing effective content strategies that enhance brand awareness and engage customers.

GkillCity

Seed Round in 2014
GkillCity is a digital publication based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, founded in 2011. The organization focuses on narrative, photojournalism, and audiovisual storytelling to address political and cultural issues with a pro-citizen perspective. Its mission includes combating discrimination, violence, and secrecy. GkillCity has published 152 editions, featuring contributions from over 290 collaborators worldwide. As a countercultural communication project, it seeks to establish itself as the leading digital media platform in Ecuador, aiming to expand its offerings to include more audio content, mobile applications, and digital TV channels.

Scroll

Seed Round in 2014
Scroll Media Inc. is a digital publishing company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in delivering news, information, and entertainment. Founded in 2009, Scroll provides a platform for journalists and readers, focusing on critical perspectives and rigorous reporting of significant political and cultural stories. The company offers a newsfeed that highlights essential events and issues, catering to a global audience through various digital formats, including mobile devices and tablets. By emphasizing objective analysis and comprehensive coverage, Scroll aims to keep its readers informed on daily developments and crises across multiple sectors.
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