FAQs
What companies do we invest in?
FT Ventures invests for the long term in companies that are strategically aligned with the FT’s businesses and objectives and that contribute to the FT’s market leadership and growth. Typically these are category-leading businesses shaping the future of the global information industry.
Where there is a strategic fit, we look to invest in companies that could benefit from FT’s expertise in digital subscriptions, quality journalism, events, value-driven advertising and audience engagement on a global scale, to create value for portfolio companies.Our collaborative approach means we are a valuable strategic partner for ambitious entrepreneurs.
What do we offer?
Alongside capital investments we are also able to craft commercial strategic partnerships with founders. FT services can potentially fill business capability gaps or help founders build market validation and scale.
How do we measure success?
We measure success beyond only financial return and work best with founders who have a bolder and broader vision for the reason their business exists.
What are we looking for?
We look for companies with the following characteristics:
Quality information, content and data businesses, and the technology solutions that support the global information industry across all formats.
Preference for recurring revenue business models and B2B products and services.
Proven product-market fit and high growth track record and global potential.
Revenue generative with sustainable unit economics, and a clear path to profitability.
Potential leader in a high growth market and/or ability to challenge incumbents.
Committed and credible management team who share FT’s core values.
How do we invest?
We consider the following options for growth stage companies:
Minority investments in companies at Series A to growth stage.
Initial cash commitment of up to £5m depending on stage.
Flexibility to invest via cash and FT services for equity (e.g. media for equity).
Ability to lead and participate alongside established investors.
Evergreen with ability to follow-on capital at scale.
Ability to become a strategic partner to accelerate growth where mutually beneficial.
About the FT Group
The Financial Times is a news organisation and global media business which is synonymous with innovation in the publishing industry. It has pioneered new business models and embraced industry changes. It was one of the first global news organisations to protect the value and integrity of its content by pursuing a digital subscriptions business model.
Today the FT Group comprises a range of subscription publications including the flagship FT.com and FT Specialist, an umbrella of 19 information and intelligence brands targeting 10 unique financial and business audiences. These have a combined reach of 22.5m people a month, of which 5.6m are C-suites and 62% are decision makers.
In addition, the FT Group provides a suite of leadership services that put content and expertise to practical use. More information on the FT Group can be found here