Yeti Media receives C4 growth investment
CHANNEL 4 has made its first investment into a Welshbased creative industries firm. The channel, through its Indie Growth Fund, has taken a minority equity stake in Cardiff-based independent television production firm Yeti Media, which is part of Rondo Media Group. The value of the equity investment, which will support Yeti’s growth plans, has not been disclosed.
The investment from the fund is the first made since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Launched in 2014 by the channel, it has made 18 investments to date supporting firms in the UK’s independent creative sector.
Led by creative director Sian Price, Yeti is responsible for shows such as The Wedding Guru (BBC), Charles: 50 Years a Prince (ITV), Going for
Gold (CBBC), and Channel 4’s Find It, Fix It, Flog It, which has been commissioned for a fourth series.
It is also behind documentaries including: Britain’s Favourite Detective (Channel 4); Sylvia Plath: Inside the Bell Jar (BBC); World’s Tiniest Masterpieces (Channel 4); The Secret World of Emily Bronte (Channel 4) and Abortion: Beyond the Backstreet (BBC).
Head of the Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund Caroline Murphy said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to be welcoming Yeti to Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund family, particularly as this is the first Welsh indie to have joined. Sian is an incredible talent driving Yeti forward and we’re really excited about what the future might hold for the company.
“Channel 4 is committed to generating more opportunities in the Nations and Regions and the Indie Growth Fund has a vital role to play by investing in ambitious indie production companies so they can develop and nurture talent across the UK.”
Sian Price, who has led flagship BBC and Channel 4 series such as Coast, Time Team and The People Remember, said: “We’re thrilled to be the first Welsh indie receiving Growth Fund investment.
“I’ve always been passionate about making must-watch television with engaging characters and real take-out for the viewers. It’s fantastic that Channel 4 have recognised Yeti’s potential.
“With several projects in active development, we’re very excited to be growing our slate and team over the coming months.”
Rondo Media’s chief executive, Gareth Williams, said: “This is a huge step for us with Channel 4 recognising the talent and ambition of Sian as Yeti’s creative director together with Rondo’s scale and support. This significant investment will enable Yeti to expand on its development and delivery. We’re looking forward to working with the Growth Fund as we realise the potential and ambition of Yeti.”