TF1 backs ‘media-for-equity’ startup initiative

French broadcaster TF1 has teamed up with investment outfit RAISE Ventures to launch a new ‘media for equity’ investment initiative to support media startups.

A new company, RAISE M4E will aim to help accelerate the growth of startups by offering free publicity via TF1’s media supports. According to TF1, media-for-equity is an “alternative investment model” aimed at raising the visibility of ear4ly-stage media outfits in exchange for capital. TF1 will organise televised and digital media campaigns in exchange for a participation worth between €1 million and €5 million.

RAISE, an investment group co-founded by former Idinvest Partners investment director Pierre-Edouard Berion and Matthieu Dordolo, founder of digital strategy outfit Rock8, has hired former 5M Ventures business chief Angélique Elizé to head up the initiative.

RAISE M4E will make its first investment in the next few months, with several startups to be supported each year.