UKTV names head of ‘airtime for equity’ fund

UK channel provider UKTV has promoted Brendan Kilcawley to director of UKTV Ventures to lead the outfit’s “airtime for equity” investment fund after joining the fund in 2021 as head of commercial. 

Brendan Kilcawley

UKTV Ventures exchanges TV advertising inventory for minority equity stakes, alongside venture capital firms, in high-growth direct-to-consumer start-ups looking to build strong brands, acquire new customers and grow to the next level through TV advertising.

The fund comprises £8 million’s worth of advertising inventory across the UKTV channel portfolio that the broadcaster invests annually in early-stage businesses.

Kilcawley will be responsible for developing and executing the pipeline of equity investments and managing UKTV Ventures’ portfolio of start-ups.

Kilcawley joined UKTV Ventures in 2021 following five years as head of distribution for UKTV’s network of channel brands.

Prior to working at UKTV, he led distribution for BBC Studios channels across central and eastern Europe and the Middle East, launching BBC Earth and CBeebies across the region.

Sam Tewungwa, BBC Studios’ chief commercial officer for the UK region, said: “Brendan’s track record, his relationship building skills, and the depth and breadth of his commercial experience make him the ideal person to head up the division. I am looking forward to the next chapter of our Ventures story under his leadership.”

Kilcawley said: “It’s a great time to head up UKTV Ventures with its exciting pipeline of potential investments and portfolio. I am looking forward to the challenges of growing the fund as we support a range of innovative businesses achieve stellar growth.”