Amsterdam.
Pluralis B.V. today announced that it has become a minority shareholder of leading Ukrainian media company Ukrainska Pravda.
Pluralis, founded by a group of prestigious European media companies, democracy-supporting foundations and impact investors, invests in news companies that provide independent, quality reporting in countries in Europe where a plural media is at risk. With investments in three other Central/South-East European countries, this will be its first investment in Ukraine.
“For 25 years, Ukrainska Pravda has played a profound role in Ukraine’s public discourse, and we welcome the opportunity to invest in its next chapter,” said Harlan Mandel, CEO of Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), which manages Pluralis. “Since its founding by Heorhiy Gongadze, Ukrainska Pravda has been at the forefront of Ukraine’s political life, covering every defining moment from the Orange Revolution and Maidan to Russia’s invasions and today’s wartime period. With its strong digital presence and a brand long associated with courage and integrity, we believe the company is well positioned for growth and will continue to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s future.”
“UP has a stellar reputation, serving 15 million Ukrainians with quality news and information every year,” said Mr Mandel. “With an excellent position on the local market underpinning its uncompromised, high-quality journalism, UP is an excellent investment for Pluralis from both a mission and investment perspective.”
MDIF has invested in Ukrainian independent media for 28 years. It has continued to invest and to provide emergency support to independent media during the war.
“Pluralis’s investment in Ukrainska Pravda is a landmark moment for the entire Ukrainian media industry,” said Andriy Boborykin, Ukrainska Pravda Executive Director. “It’s a clear sign that international, mission-driven capital recognises Ukrainian independent journalism as an institution worth investing in and as a sustainable, scalable business that matters. A globally respected impact investor choosing to back a Ukrainian publisher also sets a precedent that can unlock a healthier investment culture for independent media in our region. This partnership will help us accelerate what we’ve been building: stronger reader revenue, better products and technology, and even more capacity for accountability journalism.”
About Pluralis B.V.
Pluralis B.V. is a Dutch limited liability company duly organised under the laws of the Netherlands with its seat in Amsterdam. The company’s shareholders, investors and partners are a group of prestigious European media companies, democracy-supporting foundations and impact investors, including: King Baudouin Foundation, Tinius Trust, Oak Foundation, Mediahuis, Erste Foundation, Media Development Investment Fund and SEDF, as well as other impact investors and family offices.
About Ukrainska Pravda
Ukrainska Pravda (UP) is one of Ukraine’s leading independent news outlets, known for its public-interest journalism and accountability reporting. Founded in 2000, UP covers politics, society, economy, sports, tech and international affairs, combining breaking news with in-depth investigations, analysis, interviews, and explainers. With a strong digital-first approach and a large national audience of over 15 million people, Ukrainska Pravda’s mission is to inform citizens, scrutinize power, and strengthen democratic resilience through high-quality, fact-based reporting.
About Media Development Investment Fund
Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) invests in independent media around the world that provide diverse news and facilitates the exchange of information and views people need to build free, thriving societies. Founded as a not-for-profit investment fund, MDIF’s financing and strategic advice help media in countries where reliable news and information is under threat to build robust, sustainable businesses, strong enough to hold governments to account, expose corruption, and provide a platform for debate.
For more information contact: [email protected]