MDIF Western Balkans Fund
Investing in media resilience
MDIF Western Balkans Fund is a strategic initiative to foster growth and resilience in independent media in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. It takes a holistic investment approach, utilizing a versatile strategy of loans, equity and quasi-equity supported by media business expertise.
The Fund focuses investments on innovative startups, growth media undergoing digital transformation and protecting independent media from capture. The Fund seeks to bridge the financing gap that often hinders growth, and supports the development of robust, financially and editorially independent media companies that are able to support the advancement of their societies.
MDIF Western Balkans Fund has opened its first call for applications for equity financing from companies along the early-stage spectrum. Apply by midnight CET on May 15, 2024.
Key features
The Fund catalyses capital, mobilizing financing to empower independent media enterprises in the region through no-strings-attached financing that drives growth and protects independence.
1. Holistic investment approach providing loan, equity and quasi-equity financing supported by strategic media advisory services and venture support.
2. Focus on three types of investment:
- Innovative startups, including native digital and innovative content delivery as well as tools and technologies supporting products and services that increase citizens’ ability to access information.
- Growth independent media in digital transformation going through a change in business model.
- Investments aimed at protecting independent media with potential for long-term viability via successful digital development, innovation and other growth strategies from capture.
3. Dedicated to reducing information poverty through the dissemination of independent news and information.
4. Strategic geographic focus on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
5. Diverse investment portfolio — seed, startup and growth — with an eye on product, platform and geographic expansion.
6. Mission-critical investment that fortifies democratic societies by investing in ventures that deliver essential information and robust debate.
Our media expertise and more than two decades of working in the Western Balkans give the Fund a unique approach. Our experience and networks ensure quality deal flow, and mission-screening by our Board of Directors ensures alignment with the Fund’s mission objectives.
Apply for MDIF Western Balkans Fund ventures financing: Eligibility criteria
The first call for applications for equity financing from companies along the early-stage spectrum is open until midnight CET on May 15, 2024. To apply the media company must fulfill the following criteria:
- Commitment to public interest: Demonstrate dedication to providing unique, credible and independent news in the public interest within the Western Balkans.
- Information poverty reduction: Exhibit a commitment to reducing information poverty through effective news and information dissemination in the Western Balkans.
- Accountability and debate: Actively contribute to addressing issues of accountability and strengthening public debate in the region.
- Democratic values: Showcase a commitment to fostering democratic practices, institutions and political pluralism in the region.
- Inclusivity: Uphold principles of transparency, human rights and equal rights for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other subjects of discrimination.
- Independent ownership: Ownership is independent of government or any other political or economic interests.
- Western Balkans focus: Located in or serving audiences in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
The definition of “media” extends beyond traditional outlets. It includes digital platforms, innovative tools and services that contribute to a diverse media landscape. If your venture focuses on delivering independent and impactful content or offers tools and services to strengthen the media ecosystem, we invite you to apply.
Apply now for MDIF Western Balkans Fund ventures financing
FAQs
MDIF Western Balkans Fund invests in media located in or serving audiences in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
All media companies fulfilling the eligibility criteria above are eligible for MDIF Western Balkans Fund venture financing. The definition of “media” for this call extends beyond traditional outlets. It includes digital platforms, innovative tools and services that contribute to a diverse media landscape. If your venture provides or aims to provide independent and impactful content, or if you offer tools and services to enhance the media ecosystem, we encourage you to apply.
The amount we invest in each company is dependent on many factors, including the stage of company development and the total round-size and location. When applying, please provide the total amount of money you are raising and how much of the round has already been raised (if any).
Applications are open – apply here.
While MDIF Western Balkans Fund invests in projects serving audiences of non-English speakers, the application itself should be in English.
Please note: MDIF Western Balkans Fund is an initiative of Media Development Investment Fund to invest in and support the growth of independent media in the region. It is not related to the civil society-supporting organization “Western Balkans Fund”, founded by regional governments and based in Albania.