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

Past deals in News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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