MDIF Ventures is inviting applications for investment from young and expanding independent media companies that have a positive social impact and the potential to grow. If selected, these companies will receive financial support and strategic guidance to advance their business.
After the successful completion of its initial investment round, MDIF Ventures is now investing in a fresh group of media projects that are either based in or cater to audiences in countries where the availability of unbiased and unrestricted news and information is at risk. To date, MDIF Ventures has invested around $1 million in nine early-stage companies across seven countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan, and Colombia.
Key Features Of Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF)
- The fund invests in countries where free and independent news and information are at risk. It also supports global projects that benefit audiences in these countries.
- The fund focuses on projects that address accountability, strengthen debate, or reduce information poverty.
- It targets companies at various stages of development, ranging from pre-seed (friends and family/angel) to growth/Series A rounds.
- The fund may choose to make additional investments in companies it has already invested in.
- The fund builds on the successes of previous initiatives such as Digital News Ventures, which invested $3.8 million in early-stage media from 2012 to 2015, the South Africa Media Innovation Program (SAMIP), and Amplify Asia.
Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be committed to providing unique, credible, and independent news. This includes reducing information poverty, promoting accountability, and strengthening public debate in the interest of the public.
- The applicant must also be committed to fostering democratic practices, political pluralism, transparency, human rights, and equal rights for all. This commitment should extend to individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other subject of discrimination.
- The ownership of the applicant must be independent from the government or any other political or economic interests. However, this requirement may be waived if the level and nature of ownership do not compromise the applicant’s editorial independence.
- The applicant must be located in or serve an audience in countries where access to free and independent news and information is threatened. Please note that MDIF Ventures cannot consider applications from Russia.
How To Apply For Media Development Investment Fund
If you are qualified and interested, visit the official media development Investment Fund on https://www.mdif.org/news/mdif-ventures-new-applications/ to apply.