Media Development Investment Fund

Media Development Investment Fund is a not-for-profit venture capital firm based in New York City, established in 1995. The organization focuses on providing debt and equity financing to independent media businesses in regions with a history of media oppression. By offering affordable financing and technical assistance, it aims to help independent news outlets develop sustainable operations centered on quality news and information. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $325.5 million in financing, encompassing loans, equity investments, and technical assistance. It has supported 154 clients across 48 countries, and by the end of December 2024, it managed a portfolio valued at $118.4 million, allocated among 65 media enterprises in 36 countries.

Kevin Brockland

Principal Investment Officer

Harlan Mandel

CEO

Marie Nemcova

COO

Past deals in Media

Dataphyte

Venture Round in 2021
Dataphyte is a media and data analytics company that focuses on leveraging data tools and technology for socioeconomic purposes. It specializes in the collection, analysis, and visualization of development data, offering products and services such as data journalism and data-driven investigations. By providing actionable insights and narratives, Dataphyte aims to assist both public and private sectors in making informed decisions and driving policy changes. Its work enables clients to generate value from data and better understand socio-economic dynamics.

Insajder

Debt Financing in 2021
Insajder is a multimedia platform operator that specializes in producing and broadcasting current information and documentary programs through its cable TV channel. As the company enters a new phase of development, it is embarking on an ambitious project to expand its offerings by creating a comprehensive multimedia platform that encompasses various media outlets. This initiative aims to enhance its reach and engage a broader audience with diverse content.

Josh Talks

Seed Round in 2020
Josh Talks, founded in 2015, is a media platform aimed at inspiring and empowering the youth of India by providing access to relatable role models and motivational stories. It has developed one of the country's largest regional content distribution networks, focusing on a variety of subjects including entrepreneurship, public policy, sports, and social initiatives. The platform features short talks and videos that highlight diverse speakers from various backgrounds, enabling young viewers to learn about different careers in their preferred language. In 2020, Josh Talks launched an English-speaking app designed to help users improve their language skills, which has since achieved over 5 million downloads and 300,000 paid users. The app has received positive feedback and boasts impressive user retention rates. To date, Josh Talks' content has accumulated more than 2.5 billion lifetime views and an average of 180 million monthly views across various platforms. Collaborating with partners like Amazon and Meta, Josh Talks continues to create opportunities for the next generation and promote sustainable development goals across India.

MyNews

Seed Round in 2020
MyNews is a journalism channel that brings information and a diversity of ideas to its audience. They create more programs and debates related to the economy, culture, and politics. They provide context and quality information for presenting and discussing ideas.

Food For Mzansi

Seed Round in 2020
Food For Mzansi's mission is to tell the untold stories of the people work hard every day to put food on everyone's plate.

Mail & Guardian

Acquisition in 2017
Mail & Guardian is an online newspaper that provides the latest local and international news. It offers news in the categories of opinion, arts and culture, business, politics, special reports, sci-tech, education, and more. Mail & Guardian was founded in 1994 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Its editor is Chris Roper.

Suara

Seed Round in 2017
Suara operates an online media platform that serves as a news portal, delivering the latest information across various topics including political events, business, law, football, entertainment, lifestyle, automotive, science, and technology. Targeting millennials, Suara emphasizes local political news and aims to keep its audience informed with timely updates relevant to their daily lives. The platform caters to citizen journalists, fostering a community that engages with current events and issues.

Katadata

Venture Round in 2017
KATADATA is an online media company and research in economics and business. Established on April 1, 2012 in Jakarta, the company presents news, information, data, and research results in depth to the interests of business leaders and policy makers, but packaged in a straightforward and attractive way for easy public understanding. Therefore, news and information not only presented in the form of text, but also in a visually compelling display. In other words, they are trying to simplify complicated matters, without losing their essence. "Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication," as Leonardo da Vinci put it, which we make the company's motto. The Katadata team consists of experienced journalists and researchers in the fields of energy, finance, macroeconomics, commerce and infrastructure.

Volume

Venture Round in 2017
Volume provides concept development, narration, scripting theme music, scoring, editing, and mastering services. They also offer multimedia packaging for social and web platforms, as well as podcast promotion through podcast players and apps.

Rappler

Venture Round in 2016
Rappler, Inc. is a social news network based in Pasig, Philippines, founded in 2012. The platform aims to inspire community engagement and drive social change by publishing impactful news stories. It combines journalism with technology, fostering a space for discussions and collaboration among its audience. A notable feature of Rappler is its "mood meter," which analyzes reader reactions to content, allowing for a deeper understanding of public sentiment on various issues. As a subsidiary of The Adobo Chronicles, Rappler is committed to providing uncompromised journalism that encourages informed conversations and promotes a desire for change within the community.

Agora SA

Post in 2016
Agora is the publisher of "Gazeta Wyborcza" - the largest Polish opinion-forming newspapers and several glossy magazines. Their products complement media websites.

Thabure Media Group

Seed Round in 2015
Thabure Media Group is a multifaceted media company that focuses on printing and publishing news, alongside offering freight and delivery services and advertising solutions. The company specializes in producing a variety of printed materials, including newspapers in both tabloid and broadsheet formats, as well as retail promotional pamphlets, corporate newsletters, and special supplements covering topics such as property, travel, and the economy. Through its diverse offerings, Thabure Media Group aims to keep its customers informed, educated, and entertained, while also advocating for an open society.

El Meme

Seed Round in 2014
El Meme is a news and entertainment outlet based in Argentina, established in 2014. The platform focuses on identifying and monitoring trends to provide insights into global events and their relevance to its audience. It boasts a vibrant community of over 10,000 digital creatives, including writers, filmmakers, and communication professionals. Each month, El Meme reaches an audience of more than 30 million young millennials across the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. The company specializes in digital content production, offering services such as content marketing and native advertising, along with targeted audience distribution through programmatic buying and social media strategies.

PT Digital Era Baru Nusantara [PortalKBR.com]

Venture Round in 2013
PT Digital Era Baru Nusantara provides news services. They provide services for media production, broadcast, and online journalism. An online inquiry form is available on the company's website.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.