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Stichting Veronica, a Dutch foundation, has its origins in Radio Veronica, a pirate radio station established in 1960. The organization transitioned from an association (Vereniging) to a foundation (Stichting) in October 2024, reflecting its commitment to a sustainable media landscape. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Stichting Veronica operates with a mission to connect with entrepreneurs and innovators in the media sector.
The investment arm, V-Ventures, focuses on strengthening the qualitative journalistic ecosystem through investments and philanthropic grants. V-Ventures aims to support a diverse and independent media landscape, primarily in Europe, while also extending its reach globally. The foundation is well-regarded in European journalism and media investment circles, and it is a member of the European Press Prize foundation network.
As of now, V-Ventures manages a portfolio of ten companies, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing journalistic practices and supporting media freedom. The organization has made notable investments and grants to various initiatives, including high-quality documentaries and investigative journalism projects.
V-Ventures invests in companies that contribute to the qualitative journalistic ecosystem. This includes content providers, businesses developing new business models, and tools that support journalistic processes. The organization is particularly focused on enhancing media freedom and supporting local journalism, especially in regions where it is at risk.
The investment strategy encompasses several sectors, including media, artificial intelligence, and fintech. V-Ventures seeks to back innovative models and tools that enhance the journalistic landscape. The foundation also champions high-quality documentaries through its initiative SV-DOCS, which emphasizes investigative journalism.
Investment checks are not publicly disclosed, but the organization operates as a blend of investment returns and philanthropic grants, indicating a unique approach compared to traditional venture capital firms. Geographic focus is primarily Europe, with some global grants aimed at fostering media sustainability.
V-Ventures maintains a diverse portfolio of ten companies, each contributing to the media landscape in unique ways:
Notable exits include ANP, a Dutch news agency held from 2010 to 2018, and NRC Media, sold to Mediahuis in 2018. V-Ventures continues to support initiatives that enhance journalistic practices and promote media freedom.
Yoeri Albrecht - Chairman. Albrecht has a strong background in media and journalism, contributing to the strategic direction of V-Ventures.
Eline Blaauboer - Board Member. Blaauboer brings expertise in media investments and governance, playing a crucial role in overseeing the foundation's initiatives.
Ronald Ockhuysen - Board Member. Ockhuysen has extensive experience in journalism and media management, providing insights into the operational aspects of V-Ventures.
Lot Carlier - Executive Director. Carlier is an active speaker at journalism conferences, including the International Journalism Festival and Impact Days 2025, advocating for media sustainability and innovation.
The team consists of approximately four staff members focused on finance, investment management, and associate roles, ensuring effective management of the foundation's initiatives and investments.
To pitch to V-Ventures, founders should visit the official website at stichtingveronica.nl. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and how the startup aligns with V-Ventures' mission of enhancing the journalistic ecosystem.
While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process given the foundation's commitment to supporting impactful ventures. Warm introductions may be beneficial, particularly from individuals within the media or journalism sectors.
In March 2024, V-Ventures made a significant investment in The Fix, a platform aimed at supporting European media innovation. This investment aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance journalistic practices and promote media freedom.
In October 2024, Stichting Veronica formally transitioned from Vereniging to Stichting Veronica, marking a new chapter in its commitment to a sustainable media landscape.
Looking ahead, V-Ventures is expected to be active at the Impact Days conference in 2025, continuing its engagement with the media community and exploring new opportunities for investment and collaboration.
What are V-Ventures' investment criteria?
V-Ventures focuses on companies that enhance the qualitative journalistic ecosystem, including content providers, innovative business model developers, and tools that support journalistic processes. The foundation prioritizes investments that promote media freedom and sustainability.
How can I pitch to V-Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitches through the official website of Stichting Veronica at stichtingveronica.nl. It is advisable to include detailed information about the business model, market potential, and how the venture contributes to the journalistic ecosystem.
What makes V-Ventures different from traditional venture capital firms?
V-Ventures operates as a philanthropic foundation with a mission-driven approach, blending investment returns with philanthropic grants. This structure allows for a focus on social impact rather than solely financial returns.
What is the geographic scope of V-Ventures' investments?
The primary geographic focus is Europe, but V-Ventures also engages in global grants aimed at supporting media sustainability and freedom.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but V-Ventures operates as a foundation, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs of the portfolio companies.
How involved is V-Ventures post-investment?
V-Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic support, facilitating connections within the media ecosystem, and backing initiatives that promote media freedom and sustainability.
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