First deals struck by S4C commercial funds

S4C has announced the first deals to be struck by their Commercial Growth Fund and Commercial Content Fund.

S4C’s Commercial Content Fund has backed The Peace Particle, a series with exclusive access to CERN as it celebrates its 70^th anniversary. Also backed by the fund is teen drama Hafiach.

S4C’s Commercial Growth Fund has invested in Kubos Semiconductors, as the company develops new technology that will “revolutionise the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality industry, changing how we watch content.”

Kubos’ microLED will result in superior brightness, colour consistency and contrast on VR headsets, alongside improved energy efficiency. The fund will take a minority stake in the company, alongside investment from the Development Bank of Wales and Drew Nelson, founder of IQE Ltd.

The S4C Commercial Growth Fund, run by Laura Franses is part of S4C‘s commercial strategy and will provide funding in exchange for equity to companies which have high growth potential and are aligned with S4C‘s aims.

Headed by Claire Urquhart, the Commercial Content Fund supports projects that are “ambitious and appealing to international audiences, whilst providing a boost to the creative sector in Wales.”

Head of S4C’s Commercial Content Fund, Claire Urquhart said: “The fund’s first three deals are across different genres, from a science documentary and a children’s high-end animation to a teen drama set in north Wales. This shows the range of projects S4C will back and the wealth of talent that we have here in Wales.”

Advisor to the S4C Commercial Growth Fund, Laura Franses said: “We are excited to announce our first investment into Kubos Semiconductors which epitomises the exceptionally vibrant tech sector in Wales. I’ve been blown away by the level of entrepreneurial activity in Wales which has been dubbed the Silicon Valleys. Kubos is a fantastic high growth business with an outstanding management team. We look forward to working with the team and to announcing our upcoming investments into Welsh content creators later this year.”