News | Bertelsmann Investments | Gütersloh/New York, 06/10/2025

Bertelsmann Investments Opens BDMI Fund to Broader Investor Base

  • Investor consortium takes 50 percent stake in BDMI
  • Bertelsmann Investments continues to be anchor investor
  • Deniz Pielsticker: “BDMI has successfully supported the digital transformation of several businesses. Now is the right time to open the fund to external partners.”
Gütersloh / New York, June 10, 2025 – Bertelsmann Investments (BI) is opening its New York-based fund Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI) to external investors. A consortium of US-based investors is acquiring a 50 percent stake in BDMI’s portfolio holdings.

Bertelsmann Investments CFO Deniz Pielsticker said: “Since inception in 2006, our BDMI fund has done a tremendous job in facilitating the digital transformation of our businesses. The next chapter is about realizing the full economic potential of the BDMI portfolio. We are looking forward to shaping this next chapter together with strong external partners.”

Urs Cete and Sim Blaustein will continue to manage the BDMI fund through their newly-formed firm 1745 Ventures. “We look forward to continuing our close relationship with Bertelsmann Investments and are very happy to welcome new investors to our platform,” says Urs Cete. “We are excited to drive even more value for our amazing founders and bigger investor family.”

About Bertelsmann Investments
Bertelsmann Investments (BI) comprises Bertelsmann’s global venture capital activities as well as the Bertelsmann Next growth unit. The venture capital arm includes the funds Bertelsmann Asia Investments (BAI), Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI), as well as selected fund and direct holdings in markets including Europe, the United States, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The Bertelsmann Next unit advances the entrepreneurial development of new growth sectors and business areas, including HR Tech, mobile ad tech and Pharma Tech. To date, around €1.9 billion has been invested in about 500 innovative companies and funds through Bertelsmann Investments. Bertelsmann Investments currently holds over 370 active investments worldwide through its network of start-ups and funds.