Channel 4 is investing in viral video company Barcroft Holdings.
The minority stake is its first Growth Fund investment in a British multi-media content company specialising in content creation and digital distribution.
The new investment extends the Fund’s business portfolio beyond traditional UK independent production support, in a bid to help develop the UK’s influence in the global digital market.
Barcroft TV is one of YouTube’s most watched factual channels with over 2 million subscribers, over 1.8 billion views to date and is a key component of the group’s multi-platform channel offering. Barcroft TV is also carried on AOL On, MSN, Vessel, China‘s YouKu and GyaO! in Japan.
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 has also been working with a number of leading brands to extend the reach of their content. These include The Outsiders (MTV), multiple series of Body Bizarre (TLC), Inside The KKK (Channel 4) and Bear Grylls: Man vs. Everest (Discovery).
Sam Barcoft, CEO of Barcroft Holdings said: “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.”
Barcroft Holdings headquarters are in Hoxton, London, with offices in Delhi and New York.
