Applications open for MDIF Western Balkans Fund

The first call for applications is open to early-stage media ventures, platforms and tools seeking equity investment. Eligibility criteria include providing news in the public interest, tackling information poverty or promoting accountability and debate.

MDIF Western Balkans Fund is a strategic initiative to foster growth and resilience in independent media in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. It takes a holistic investment approach, utilizing a versatile strategy of loans, equity and quasi-equity supported by media business expertise.

The Fund focuses investments on innovative startups, growth media undergoing digital transformation and protecting independent media from capture. The Fund seeks to bridge the financing gap that often hinders growth, and supports the development of robust, financially and editorially independent media companies that are able to support the advancement of their societies.

Key Features

• The Fund catalyses capital, mobilizing financing to empower independent media enterprises in the region through no-strings-attached financing that drives growth and protects independence.
  • Holistic investment approach providing loan, equity and quasi-equity financing supported by strategic media advisory services and venture support.
  • Focus on three types of investment:
    • Innovative startups, including native digital and innovative content delivery as well as tools and technologies supporting products and services that increase citizens’ ability to access information.
    • Growth independent media in digital transformation going through a change in business model.
    • Investments aimed at protecting independent media with potential for long-term viability via successful digital development, innovation and other growth strategies from capture.
  • Dedicated to reducing information poverty through the dissemination of independent news and information.
  • Strategic geographic focus on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
  • Diverse investment portfolio — seed, startup and growth — with an eye on product, platform and geographic expansion.
  • Mission-critical investment that fortifies democratic societies by investing in ventures that deliver essential information and robust debate.
• The media expertise and more than two decades of working in the Western Balkans give the Fund a unique approach. The experience and networks ensure quality deal flow, and mission-screening by their Board of Directors ensures alignment with the Fund’s mission objectives.

Criteria

• To apply the media company must fulfill the following criteria:
  • Commitment to public interest: Demonstrate dedication to providing unique, credible and independent news in the public interest within the Western Balkans.
  • Information poverty reduction: Exhibit a commitment to reducing information poverty through effective news and information dissemination in the Western Balkans.
  • Accountability and debate: Actively contribute to addressing issues of accountability and strengthening public debate in the region.
  • Democratic values: Showcase a commitment to fostering democratic practices, institutions and political pluralism in the region.
  • Inclusivity: Uphold principles of transparency, human rights and equal rights for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other subjects of discrimination.
  • Independent ownership: Ownership is independent of government or any other political or economic interests.
  • Western Balkans focus: Located in or serving audiences in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
• The definition of “media” extends beyond traditional outlets. It includes digital platforms, innovative tools and services that contribute to a diverse media landscape. Whether you’re a startup founder, social media editor or established Editor-in-Chief, if your venture aims to provide independent and impactful content, or if you offer tools and services to enhance the media ecosystem, you are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit MDIF.