Horizon Fund
Investing in groundbreaking startups
leading media’s transformation
OVERVIEW
American Public Media Group’s $10 million Horizon Fund invests in early-stage ventures that have the potential to sustain and grow media and journalism in the coming decade. The fund supports companies building technology to help journalism organizations reach new and diverse audiences, build institutional resilience, and fight the growing distrust and misinformation fueled by disruption in the media industry.
Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group (APMG) is uniquely positioned to manage this transformational fund. APMG’s organizations and brands, including Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio, American Public Media, and Marketplace, are leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship in public media. In addition to building a major public media organization, APMG has created, launched, and sold for-profit ventures contributing more than $160 million to its earned endowment.
PRESS FORWARD
Glen Nelson Center is part of a coalition of funders that launched Press Forward, a $500+ million national initiative to revitalize and empower local journalism. Glen Nelson Center has already invested $1.1 million toward its five-year, $5 million Press Forward commitment to make new investments in media tech companies focused on local journalism.
TARGET INVESTMENTS
Eligible Companies: For-profit companies incorporated and in good standing in the U.S.A.
Portfolio Strategy: We aim for an even split between media technology companies supporting local journalism ($5 million) and general media technology startups ($5 million.)
Investment Stage and Check Size: Most of our investments are in Pre-Seed and Seed rounds with a $3M to $10M post-money valuation. Our first check is usually $100,000, and we reserve funding for follow-on investments in portfolio companies.
Product: We are biased towards companies with a working product (MVP or beta) and evidence of traction with real customers (active users with low churn, signed letters of intent/proofs of concept).
Revenue: We will invest in pre-revenue companies only if they have a clearly identified customer base and a well-articulated revenue strategy.
Innovation Advantage: We invest in companies creating products to sustain growth and build a competitive advantage that lasts well into the future.
Founders and Team: We invest in a diverse set of leaders with unique insights as well as the personal and professional skills needed to build high-performing teams and successful businesses.
Funds Available: The Horizon Fund is fully funded as part of the APMG Earned Endowment. As of November 2024, we have made 15 investments in 12 portfolio companies totaling $1.45 million.
Please contact us with questions about the Horizon Fund and our investment process.