Mobilizing capital for strong, independent media
A fund structure for purposeful investment
MDIF manages our investments through a range of private equity, debt, hybrid and venture funds. This enables investors to align their financial goals with their values and provides a variety of financing tools for media companies. All our investments are designed to create positive social impact.
We offer a range of investment opportunities, including the open funds listed below.
Currently open to investors
MDIF General Fund
MDIF’s original evergreen fund currently invests in more than 20 countries. Since 1996 it has provided more than $100 million in debt and equity investments to leading independent media in 40 countries.
Currently open to investors
Pluralis B.V.
Pluralis provides mission-driven, blended capital and strategic media growth expertise to independent media in Central and Eastern Europe to support media plurality. Bringing together a coalition of prestigious European media companies, foundations and impact investors, in March 2023 MDIF partnered with leading German ecological bank GLS to issue Europe’s first impact bond for media plurality.
Currently open to investors
MDIF Western Balkans Fund
MDIF Western Balkans Fund invests in independent media in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Utilizing loans, equity and quasi-equity, it targets innovative startups, growth media undergoing digital transformation and protecting independent media from capture.
We develop innovative approaches to financing independent media, championing blended finance and a third way of media financing. Closed funds include the Emerging Media Opportunity Fund (EMOF), a private equity fund linking MDIF’s full carry to social impact; MDIF Media Finance (MMF), a blended loan fund backed by a 55% first-loss guarantee from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); and MDIF Ventures, which invests equity in early-stage information businesses.
Widening the investor base
Since making our first investment 30 years ago, we have launched numerous initiatives to extend the investment base of our funds. This includes listing the first impact bond for press freedom on the Zurich Stock Exchange and creating Free Press Investment Notes, which enable US investors to invest as little as $1,000 in our work.
No matter the investment vehicle, our objective remains the same: investing in independent media for the common good.
MDIF has a Funding Policy to protect our independence and provide transparency for investors, clients and the public.
Invest in MDIF
Without free media, there’s no free society. Join foundations, impact investors and individuals who share our mission.