Applike Group receives 100 million euros

The money comes from shareholder Bertelsmann. In this way, the media group wants to promote the development of new businesses, technologies and platforms within the group.

Applike Group, a company builder in the app economy, has received 100 million euros from Bertelsmann. The media group is a shareholder in the company, which was founded in 2015. The start-up is receiving the money as part of Bertelsmann's "Boost 2025" strategy. The Applike Group will use it to build new businesses, technologies and platforms. As part of the financing, Bertelsmann Investments now values the company at 500 million euros.

Applike Group was founded seven years ago by Jonas Thiemann and Carlo Szelinsky together with Gruner + Jahr (G+J). Since the merger of G+J and RTL Germany, the stake has been held by Bertelsmann Investments (BI). Applike is assigned to Bertelsmann Next, a new division with which BI is developing promising future business areas for the international media, services and education group Bertelsmann.

"The strategic expansion funding from Bertelsmann is an important step in realizing our vision of reaching the world's six billion app users:inside and further expanding our position as a leading company builder in the app economy," said Jonas Thiemann, co-CEO and founder of Applike Group.

Currently, Applike Group consists of four companies: Adjoe, Just Dice, Sunday and Justtrack. They cover the business areas of app marketing, reach building, mobile games development and automation. Last year, Applike Group and its subsidiaries reported revenues in the low triple-digit millions. It says it has been profitable for several years and is active in more than 100 markets. The largest market is the USA, which accounts for more than a third of sales.