Channel 4 has taken a minority stake in Barcroft Holdings.
The investment is its first growth fund investment in a British multimedia content company specialising in content creation and distribution.
Channel 4 stated that the move was part of its wider digital innovation strategy; attempting to help develop the UK’s influence in the global digital market.
David Abraham, chief executive of Channel 4, said, “As Channel 4’s growth in online and commercial innovation continues apace, it’s an exciting time for our indie growth fund to make its first investment in a future-facing business with both content creation and multi-platform distribution capabilities.
“Barcroft’s ability to connect with younger audiences globally, and their work with different formats, platforms and brands, aligns with our own commercial growth and we look forward to sharing our expertise to help Barcroft grow and to develop 4’s wider digital strategy.”
Barcroft creates, licences, distributes and publishes news and factual content featuring ‘the amazing side of life’ across its constituent core businesses: Barcroft Media, Barcroft Productions, Barcroft TV and branded content arm Barcroft Plus.
Its portfolio includes the recently announced The Outsiders, Inside The KKK, and Bear Grylls: Man vs Everest.
Sam Barcoft, CEO of Barcroft Holdings, added, “The Barcroft businesses have grown quickly, particularly over the past two years. The time is now right to build out our content and distribution offering, particularly in television production and the branded content space through Barcroft Plus.
“For many years Channel 4 has proven that successful disruption at scale and constant innovation are its core strengths, which makes them the perfect partner for us.”
