Channel 4 announces first Growth Fund investments

Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham has announced that the corporation has invested in its first four independent production companies from its £20m Growth Fund, taking minority stakes in Arrow Media, Lightbox, Popkorn and True North, to aid the growth and development of these British creative businesses.

The investments follow Channel 4’s launch of the Growth Fund earlier this year to nurture the independent sector by providing access to funding for small to medium sized creative companies based in the UK. Channel 4 has had a strong response from the sector – and the initial Growth Fund investment presents a varied portfolio approach, overseen by Head of Fund Laura Franses in conjunction with the Growth Fund Advisory Board.

Each investment was carefully considered to evaluate whether there was a clear growth opportunity and its value to the wider UK creative industry. Channel 4 additionally assessed the commercial potential in the business – as a publically owned, not-for-profit, public service broadcaster, all commercial returns derived from these investments will bolster the corporation’s investment in original content and new companies.