The rest of the 100: Urs Cete, head of Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments
Urs Cete rose through the ranks of Germany-based publisher Bertelsmann and its corporate venturing unit after he joined his “first real employer” 10 years ago.
Urs Cete, head of Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI), the corporate venturing unit of the Germany-based media company, said: “We have never been this busy in a year and are very happy about that. This does include our European portfolio. It is a good environment for raising follow-on funding.” The buoyant activity in the market means BDMI is advising entrepreneurs to be cautious and raise significant amounts of capital in case the market turns for the worse. Cete said: “We are advising our portfolio if you can get more on the table, raise more, you never know what will happen.
Cete said: “Some investors and entrepreneurs can be a little afraid of corporate venturers. With us that is not the case as we behave like a financial venture capital firm. If Bertelsmann is bidding for the company, I will still be ringing round trying to get the best price. Yet to get strategic mileage out of the endeavour, for every investment we have to convince an operating unit to act as a mentor or sponsor.”
Cete sits on the boards of YouTube channel network StyleHaul, wireless industry company Mojiva, affiliate marketing company Skimlinks and social gaming and entertainment company Blue Lion Mobile.
