BusinessStartups

Prominent European VC Lakestar Shifts Strategy, Halts External Fundraising

Veteran investor Klaus Hommels’ Lakestar is reportedly shifting its strategy away from external fundraising. The firm plans to concentrate on maximizing returns from current investments while supporting internal entrepreneurial ventures.

Strategic Shift for European Venture Capital Leader

Lakestar, one of Europe’s most prominent venture capital firms known for early investments in Spotify and Revolut, is reportedly planning to stop raising external capital, according to sources familiar with the matter. The firm, founded by veteran investor Klaus Hommels, intends to focus on maximizing returns from its existing portfolio while maintaining flexibility to pursue selective new opportunities.

BusinessDigital Media

Netflix and Spotify Partner to Bring The Ringer Podcasts to Video Streaming in 2026

Netflix and Spotify are joining forces to bring popular podcasts from The Ringer network to the video streaming platform. The partnership marks a significant expansion of video podcast content and represents Spotify’s evolution into broader multimedia experiences.

The streaming landscape continues to evolve as two industry giants announce a groundbreaking collaboration. Netflix and Spotify have revealed a strategic partnership that will bring a curated selection of popular podcast content from The Ringer network to Netflix’s video platform beginning in early 2026 for U.S. users. This move represents a significant expansion of video podcast offerings on major streaming platforms and signals the continued blurring of lines between traditional audio and video content.

Partnership Details and Timeline