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 JD

CEO and Board Member

Marie Nemcova

COO

37 past transactions

Egab

Pre Seed Round in 2025
Egab specializes in solutions journalism by empowering local journalists through its digital media platform. The company enables these journalists to create profiles and publish news articles and stories in both regional and international media outlets. By facilitating this process, Egab helps local journalists reach global audiences and share inspiring stories, ultimately enhancing the visibility and impact of their work.

Hukumonline.com

Series B in 2024
Hukumonline.com, operated by PT Justika Siar Publika, was established by notable legal experts during Indonesia's reform era to educate the public about legal matters. The platform has evolved into a regulatory technology company that delivers comprehensive, integrated, and reliable legal products and services. It aims to enhance public understanding of the country's laws, policies, and regulations. Hukumonline.com provides subscription-based access to concise analyses of the latest legal updates, available in both English and Indonesian. This approach not only supports businesses and law firms but also aids government agencies in navigating the complex legal landscape of Indonesia.

The Current

Venture Round in 2023
The Current is a Pakistani digital media company, established in 2016, specializing in delivering news and lifestyle content tailored to millennials. It offers a user-friendly platform covering politics, entertainment, and lifestyle news, providing real-time updates and in-depth analysis to foster informed public discourse.

PumaPodcast

Venture Round in 2023
PumaPodcast, based in the Philippines, is a production company specializing in podcast creation. With over 40 shows, it caters to a wide range of interests in the Southeast Asian podcast industry, from informative news and in-depth documentaries to entertaining lifestyle topics, aiming to educate and engage listeners.

Hashtag Our Stories

Venture Round in 2023
Hashtag Our Stories is an international mobile journalism network based in Durban, South Africa, founded in 2017. The company specializes in publishing vertical video stories on social media, aiming to address the shortcomings of traditional news media, which often lacks diversity and tends to focus on negative narratives. By spotlighting local solutions to global problems, Hashtag Our Stories empowers individuals to share their stories through mobile storytelling in various languages. This approach fosters a more inclusive and positive narrative, allowing for a broader range of voices and perspectives to be heard in the digital landscape.

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.

Zitamar News

Venture Round in 2021
Zitamar News is a Mozambican media company that operates an English-language investigative news website and newsletter. It provides multi-category news, focusing on politics, economy, oil and gas, infrastructure, metals and minerals, electricity, and transport. Additionally, it produces audio news bulletins, ensuring access to daily breaking news and analysis for readers, particularly in underserved regions.

Datasketch

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Datasketch is a data science platform that specializes in data analytics software, enabling users to upload, clean, and visualize their data. The platform offers a range of tools for data collection, editing, and visualization, allowing clients to create customized data visualizations and export them in various formats for publication on social networks. Additionally, Datasketch provides access to an open data repository filled with ready-to-use datasets that enhance user-generated content. The company is committed to reducing social inequality by democratizing data science and promoting transparency in data use.

Petit Press

Venture Round in 2021
Petit Press is a prominent publishing agency based in Bratislava, Slovakia, known for its extensive portfolio of multimedia products and services. The company publishes over 30 central and regional periodicals, achieving a weekly sales volume exceeding 545,000 copies. In addition to its print offerings, Petit Press operates SME.sk, the country's most visited news portal, attracting nearly 2.3 million visitors each month. Through its diverse range of printed and digital media, Petit Press delivers timely news and information to its audience, reinforcing its significant presence in the Slovak media landscape.

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.

Colab.re

Venture Round in 2020
Colab.re is a citizen-to-government engagement platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. It facilitates social interactions between citizens and government entities, allowing individuals to report daily issues, suggest urban improvements, and rate public services. The platform also provides governments with a freemium customer relationship management (CRM) and workflow management tool. As of March 2016, Colab.re has over 150,000 users in Brazil and has partnered with more than 100 clients, including municipalities, state governments, federal departments, and utility companies. The company's mission centers on fostering collaboration between citizens and government to enhance urban living conditions.

Colab

Venture Round in 2020
Colab is a citizen-to-government engagement platform that offers a social network for citizens focused on public and governmnet services.

Josh Talks

Seed Round in 2020
Josh Talks Pvt. Ltd., established in 2015, operates a content platform that produces and distributes short talks and videos, focusing on sectors like entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and activism. Based in Gurugram, India, with an additional office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the company targets 16-25 year-olds in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. Its content, available in regional languages, has amassed over 2.5 billion lifetime views, with an average of 180 million monthly views across platforms. Josh Talks also offers an English speaking app, with 5 million downloads and 300,000 paid users, promoting English language learning through peer-to-peer practice. The company collaborates with prominent partners like Amazon and Meta to scale its impact and contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Hukumonline.com

Series A in 2020
Hukumonline.com, operated by PT Justika Siar Publika, was established by notable legal experts during Indonesia's reform era to educate the public about legal matters. The platform has evolved into a regulatory technology company that delivers comprehensive, integrated, and reliable legal products and services. It aims to enhance public understanding of the country's laws, policies, and regulations. Hukumonline.com provides subscription-based access to concise analyses of the latest legal updates, available in both English and Indonesian. This approach not only supports businesses and law firms but also aids government agencies in navigating the complex legal landscape of Indonesia.

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.

Red Accion

Seed Round in 2019
Red Accion is a digital media outlet covering social issues, focuses on solutions journalism and gives importance to citizen participation.

Daily Maverick

Grant in 2018
Daily Maverick is an online newspaper based in Johannesburg, South Africa, that was launched in 2009. It provides a comprehensive mix of news, analysis, and opinion pieces across various sections, including Africa, South Africa, world news, business, life, and sports. The publication aims to inform its audience through a blend of informative content and advertisements, focusing on topics such as business, investing, technology, and leadership. Daily Maverick has established itself as a platform for thoughtful journalism, catering to readers interested in in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives.

Katadata

Venture Round in 2018
Katadata Indonesia, PT is an online media and research company based in Jakarta, Indonesia, dedicated to providing comprehensive economic and business news. Established in 2012, the platform serves as a valuable resource for business leaders and policymakers by delivering in-depth analyses and investigations. Katadata focuses on presenting information in a clear and engaging manner, utilizing various formats such as infographics and videos to enhance public understanding. The company's approach aims to simplify complex topics while maintaining their essential details, reflecting its commitment to clarity and accessibility. The team at Katadata consists of experienced journalists and researchers specializing in areas such as energy, finance, macroeconomics, commerce, and infrastructure. As internet and mobile usage in Indonesia continues to grow, Katadata positions itself as a key player in the dissemination of economic and financial information.

Mail & Guardian

Acquisition in 2017
Mail & Guardian is an online newspaper based in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded in 1994. It offers a wide range of news coverage, including local and international updates across various categories such as opinion, arts and culture, business, politics, special reports, science and technology, and education. The platform operates on a subscription basis, providing readers with insightful information about current events and happenings both in South Africa and globally. Under the editorial leadership of Chris Roper, Mail & Guardian aims to deliver comprehensive and engaging content to its audience.

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 Indonesia, PT is an online media and research company based in Jakarta, Indonesia, dedicated to providing comprehensive economic and business news. Established in 2012, the platform serves as a valuable resource for business leaders and policymakers by delivering in-depth analyses and investigations. Katadata focuses on presenting information in a clear and engaging manner, utilizing various formats such as infographics and videos to enhance public understanding. The company's approach aims to simplify complex topics while maintaining their essential details, reflecting its commitment to clarity and accessibility. The team at Katadata consists of experienced journalists and researchers specializing in areas such as energy, finance, macroeconomics, commerce, and infrastructure. As internet and mobile usage in Indonesia continues to grow, Katadata positions itself as a key player in the dissemination of economic and financial information.

Colab.re

Series A in 2017
Colab.re is a citizen-to-government engagement platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. It facilitates social interactions between citizens and government entities, allowing individuals to report daily issues, suggest urban improvements, and rate public services. The platform also provides governments with a freemium customer relationship management (CRM) and workflow management tool. As of March 2016, Colab.re has over 150,000 users in Brazil and has partnered with more than 100 clients, including municipalities, state governments, federal departments, and utility companies. The company's mission centers on fostering collaboration between citizens and government to enhance urban living conditions.

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.

Colab.re

Convertible Note in 2015
Colab.re is a citizen-to-government engagement platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. It facilitates social interactions between citizens and government entities, allowing individuals to report daily issues, suggest urban improvements, and rate public services. The platform also provides governments with a freemium customer relationship management (CRM) and workflow management tool. As of March 2016, Colab.re has over 150,000 users in Brazil and has partnered with more than 100 clients, including municipalities, state governments, federal departments, and utility companies. The company's mission centers on fostering collaboration between citizens and government to enhance urban living conditions.

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.

GkillCity

Seed Round in 2014
GKillCity is a digital, countercultural citizens’ communication project. It was founded in 2011, in Guayaquil, and 152 editions have been published since, with contributions of over 290 collaborators from all over the world. New media in Ecuador is almost unexplored, and Gkillcity.com wants become the iconic digital media of Ecuador. It aims to create more audio content and mobile applications, and also make use of 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.

Outernet

Seed Round in 2014
Outernet will utilize a constellation of low-cost, miniature satellites and existing satellite infrastructure in geostationary orbit. In both cases, satellites receive content from the web through a network of ground stations which uplink content that the community has collectively requested. The data packets are broadcast in loops so that poor signal quality does not prevent continuous updating of content. In order to serve the widest possible audience, Outernet utilizes globally-accepted, standards-based protocols, such as DVB-S, WiFi, and USSD. Citizens from all over the world, through SMS and feature-phone apps, will participate in building the information priority list. Users of Outernet's website also make suggestions for content to broadcast.

Everwrite

Venture Round in 2013
EverWrite is a Brazilian company founded in 2011 by Diego Tulio Tomaz Gomes and Edmar Ferreira, based in Belo Horizonte. The company specializes in tools that enhance online content findability and return on investment (ROI) for publishers. By employing a statistical approach to content production, EverWrite analyzes millions of search terms daily to identify keyword opportunities, enabling users to create content that aligns with user searches. This methodology not only aids in producing content that is more likely to rank on Google's first page but also helps maintain a consistent content strategy that drives substantial organic search traffic.

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.

Agrobook

Venture Round in 2012
Agrobook is an agribusiness platform that serves the agricultural industry in Russia by providing an online professional network. The platform facilitates discussions among users on topics such as profitable buying and selling, and it offers valuable background information on agricultural companies and institutions. Agrobook aims to keep farmers and entrepreneurs informed about significant events and developments within the industry, thus enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and engage effectively in the agricultural market.

Everwrite

Seed Round in 2012
EverWrite is a Brazilian company founded in 2011 by Diego Tulio Tomaz Gomes and Edmar Ferreira, based in Belo Horizonte. The company specializes in tools that enhance online content findability and return on investment (ROI) for publishers. By employing a statistical approach to content production, EverWrite analyzes millions of search terms daily to identify keyword opportunities, enabling users to create content that aligns with user searches. This methodology not only aids in producing content that is more likely to rank on Google's first page but also helps maintain a consistent content strategy that drives substantial organic search traffic.

FeedGeorge

Venture Round in 2012
Feedgeorge is a location-based content aggregator based in Kuala Lumpur.
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