Michael Lamont.
Scaleup Mediafund has launched its fourth media-for-equity fund, backed by a $25 million capacity to support high-growth Australian businesses.
All existing partners, including News Corp Australia, Foxtel, NOVA Entertainment, oOh!media and REA Group, are participating in the new fund.
The launch follows the successful deployment of the third fund, valued at $15 million and now fully invested.
"The launch of our $25 million fourth fund is a strong vote of confidence in the media-for-equity model,” said Scaleup investment principal, Michael Lamont.
“Since inception, we have demonstrated that giving early-stage companies access to premium advertising inventory is a powerful catalyst for sustainable growth.
"Many emerging consumer brands hit a wall. They need mass market awareness to grow, but cannot afford the upfront cash required for major media campaigns. Scaleup bridges that gap.
“We back founders with premium advertising space, enabling them to reach millions of Australians and scale without draining cash reserves."
Operating since 2017, Scaleup operates as a media-for-equity fund, with Australia’s leading publishers and broadcasters providing premium advertising inventory in exchange for equity stakes.
The fund has built a portfolio of more than 20 consumer-facing companies, five of which have reached acquisition or IPO.
The portfolio spans sectors including consumer goods, health, fintech, proptech and services, with brands such as Hawke's Brewing, Finder, Naked Life, Bare Funerals and NobleOak, among others.
“With Scaleup Fund 4 now active, we are looking for the next generation of ambitious Australian startups,” Lamont said.
“We want to hear from founders with a strong consumer offering, demonstrated product-market fit, and readiness to scale.
“With the combined reach of News Corp Australia, Foxtel, NOVA Entertainment, oOh!media, and REA Group, we have the media firepower to help make brands household names."
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