Finnish fund IPR.VC reveals $110m content fund & hires Ingenious Media exec Andrea Scarso

Bordertown

IPR.VC Management, the Finnish outfit that has backed projects from companies including A24, XYZ Films and animation studio Gigglebug, is launching a new €100m ($110m) content investment fund and has hired a former Ingenious Media exec to oversee spending.

The Helsinki-based financier’s 2023 IPR.VC Fund III marks its largest film and TV production financing scheme to date, with the majority of the €100m targeted secured.

Investments are underway with a focus on slate-wide content collaborations, joining the 35 productions that its two former funds – launched in 2015 and 2019 – have already invested in.

The company has also hired Andrea Scarso as partner and investment director, who will be based out of London.

Andrea Scarso (Source: IPR.VC)

He joins with over 15 years’ experience in media and entertainment financing, including the sourcing and evaluating of projects, running of commercial negotiations, and managing of all aspects of film and television projects’ production and exploitation.

Most recently Scarso served as senior investment director at Ingenious Media, where he represented the company in deals for studio and independent projects including film quartet Judy, Selma and 127 Hours.

He has previously been involved in more than 250 film and TV financing deals and is credited as Executive Producer on over 45 projects, including docuseries JFK: Destiny Betrayed.

IPR.VC’s spending strategy

IPR.VC was established in 2015 and has to date raised €150m from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices and non-profit sector investors, with more than half of this already allocated against film and TV projects in Europe and the US.

The company has moved from an initial phase of investment in Nordic scripted projects, including Netflix drama Bordertown, to now establishing longer term slate-wide partnerships with aforementioned A24, XYZ and Gigglebug.

Timo Argillander, IPR.VC co-founder and managing partner, said: “Whilst industry models may change, we believe strongly in the enduring value of premium film and television content, in being a supportive partner for creatives and a trusted conduit to production for blue chip investors.

“With our most ambitious fund to date, and one of the most experienced, respected and connected entertainment financiers in the business in Andrea joining the team, we could not be better placed to further evolve our investment strategy, and identify further projects and long-term slate-led partnerships that deliver for all parties.”

Scarso added: “In recent years, IPR.VC has become a major player in the industry, building successful relationships with big names, injecting much-needed capital into the market and fuelling the creation of many film and TV projects.

“I look forward to working with Timo and the rest of the team to help shape the company’s future strategy, forge new long-term partnerships and keep the growth story going.”