F&L Media

What F&L Media does

F&L Media B.V. is a Dutch multi-platform niche magazine publisher headquartered in Nijmegen, operating ten magazine brands that span automotive (Auto Review), technology (iCreate, c't, plus the Think Tech platform), food (Foodies, Koken & Genieten), gardening (Gardeners' World), history (Historisch Nieuwsblad), philosophy (Filosofie Magazine), opinion (Maarten!), and lifestyle (Daphne's Diary). The company was founded in 1994, employs 11-50 staff organized into per-brand editorial, sales, design, and marketing teams, and has grown to reach a combined audience of 10 million monthly consumers through the Think Tech platform alone, with individual brand websites generating between 52,000 and 1.8 million monthly pageviews. F&L Media has reported seven consecutive years of revenue growth, with sales and advertising revenue up approximately 15% in 2024 against broader industry headwinds.

The business model blends recurring consumer subscriptions (annual terms with auto-renewal, single-issue prices ranging from €4.50 to €9.99), print and digital advertising (full-page print rates €1,950-€3,200; digital CPM €10-€40), integrated partnership and branded-content campaigns, e-commerce (the Gardeners' World Tuinwinkel webshop operated with Novitaplus), studio rental (Foodies Studio in Nijmegen), and subscription learning products (iCreate Academy). Distribution combines direct subscriptions, the magazineshop.nl storefront, retail/newsstand presence through Bruna and Read Shop, and international channels via Daphne's Diary (26 countries, 4 languages). B2B partnerships span food and beverage (MonChou, Mutti, Wijnkring), telecom (KPN Zakelijk), retail (Marktplaats), publishing (Libris), and agriculture (Natural Bulbs).

The technical stack is a multi-platform publishing system linking print magazines, brand-specific websites, newsletters, events, and e-commerce under per-brand editorial operations. The Think Tech platform, jointly operated with sister company BigSpark, aggregates six tech properties (Androidworld, Android Planet, iPhoned, c't, iCreate, iCulture) into a single ad-sales and audience network. The company has begun AI deployment through a partnership with LinkAI for customer service automation, translation, and SEO optimization, but no proprietary AI/ML models are disclosed. Strategic priorities signaled through 2024-2026 include international expansion (Daphne's Diary acquisition), product diversification (Foodies Travel, Auto Review Bedrijfswagens, Tuinwinkel, Foodies Studio, iCreate Academy), platform consolidation (Think Tech, contextual advertising offering), and selective M&A.

Name

F&L Media

Legal name

F&L Media B.V.

Website

https://fnlmedia.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

F&L Media B.V. is a Dutch multi-platform niche magazine publisher operating ten magazine brands across automotive, technology, food, gardening, history, philosophy, and lifestyle, reaching audiences via print, digital, events, and e-commerce, with seven consecutive years of revenue growth.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Magazine Publishing

NAICS

Periodical Publishers (51312), Periodical Publishers (513120)

SIC

Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721)

akta.pro primary industry

Science, Technology & Gaming Magazines (MPAJAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food, Cooking & Beverage Magazines (MPAJAEAF), Home, Garden & DIY Magazines (MPAJAEAG), Business, Finance & Industry Trade Magazines (MPAJAEAM)

Keywords

• Niche magazine publishing
• Multi-brand publishing
• Contextual advertising
• Digital content publishing
• Consumer subscription media

Headquarters

HQ city

Nijmegen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Magazine Subscriptions: Recurring subscription revenue from magazine titles. Subscriptions are typically annual with automatic renewal. Consumer subscriptions renew for indefinite periods unless cancelled; business subscriptions renew for same period.
2. Single Edition Sales: One-time sales of individual magazine editions, including special editions, through the webshop and retail channels.
3. Print Advertising: Advertising revenue from placing ads in magazines. Rates vary by magazine, page size, and format. Includes advertorials and branded content integrations.
4. Digital Advertising: Online advertising including display banners (CPM), branded content articles, newsletter placements, and social media posts. Contextual advertising placement within relevant content.
5. Partnership Campaigns: Comprehensive partnership campaigns combining print, online, and social media. Campaigns include content creation, brand integration, and targeted reach for specific audiences.
6. Studio Rental: Foodies Studio rental for professional photography shoots of partners and external clients.
7. Webshop (Tuinwinkel): E-commerce revenue from Gardeners' World Tuinwinkel selling seeds, plants, and tools. Run in partnership with Novitaplus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

F&L Media is a Dutch multi-brand magazine publisher operating ten niche magazine titles spanning automotive, food, gardening, technology, history, philosophy, and lifestyle. The company monetizes through consumer subscriptions (print and digital), single-issue sales, print and digital advertising, branded content and partnership campaigns, and an e-commerce webshop for gardening products. It combines print magazines with proprietary digital platforms, websites, newsletters, events, and the Think Tech platform aggregating tech-focused brands.

Product overview

F&L Media operates as a multi-platform magazine publisher with 10 magazine brands covering automotive (Auto Review), technology (iCreate, c't, Think Tech platform), food (Foodies, Koken & Genieten), gardening (Gardeners' World with Tuinwinkel webshop), history (Historisch Nieuwsblad with HN Actueel), philosophy (Filosofie Magazine), opinion (Maarten!), and lifestyle (Daphne's Diary). The portfolio includes digital platforms, physical magazines, e-commerce (Gardeners' World Tuinwinkel), events (Filosofiefestival Denkkracht, Geschiedenis Festival, Ambachtelijke Plantenmarkt), content studios (Foodies Studio), and educational platforms (iCreate Academy). F&L Media also integrates AI through LinkAI partnership for automation and uses contextual advertising across its niche brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Auto Review: Dutch automotive magazine and website - the largest car magazine in Netherlands
• iCreate
• c't Magazine
• Historisch Nieuwsblad
• Gardeners' World Magazine
• Foodies
• Filosofie Magazine
• Maarten!
• Koken & Genieten
• Daphne's Diary
• Think Tech

Products and services

• Auto Review

Quantifiable outcome

• Sales revenue growth of approximately 15% in 2024, seventh consecutive year of growth
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MonChoucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodies magazine launched campaign 'MonChou as blijvertje in de koelkast' (MonChou as a lasting fridge fixture) inspiring readers with versatile recipes from sweet to savory. Campaign included MonChou truffles, TiraMonChou dessert which went viral with 25,000+ views on foodiesmagazine.nl. Food bloggers also participated in the campaign.
• MarktplaatscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAuto Review editorial team collaborates with Marktplaats monthly to find 5 interesting second-hand cars matching magazine themes. Provides tips and advice for buying used cars on autoreview.nl. Content is also used by Marktplaats on their own channels. Auto Review functions as serious seller of occasions through enthusiast influencers.
• KPN ZakelijkcoreGTM or Marketing Partnerc't magazine partnership with KPN Zakelijk for cybersecurity campaign targeting business readers. Content included articles, social media, regular newsletter, and dedicated newsletter directing to free e-book on cyber threats, data protection, and responsible AI use. Generated visibility and quality leads for KPN Zakelijk.
• Natural BulbsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGardeners' World partnership with Natural Bulbs (biologically certified flower bulbs) in 2024 included perennial plant plans, online giveaway, and Bulb Parade campaign. Featured interview with founder Robert and spring discount. Campaign provided visibility for Natural Bulbs and inspired readers.
• NovitapluscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGardeners' World Tuinwinkel (garden webshop) developed and operated in partnership with Novitaplus. Novitaplus provides technology platform, logistics, ordering, shipping, invoicing, returns, and warranty handling. Gardeners' World handles marketing and brand management.
• MuttiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKoken & Genieten created authentic Italian recipes using Mutti tomato products for special Italy edition. Featured dishes including Pappardelle, Timballo, and Orecchiette across three magazine spreads. Partnership highlights shared passion for Italian cuisine and quality ingredients.
• LinkAIcoreTechnology or IntegrationAI startup partnership for developing various AI applications within F&L Media operations. LinkAI helps with automated customer email responses, article translation, SEO optimization for online articles. Fixed agreement through end of year with dedicated hours. First projects also running at sister company BigSpark.
• BigSparkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company of F&L Media operating online publishing. Together they formed Think Tech platform combining tech websites (Androidworld, Android Planet, iPhoned, C'T, iCreate, iCulture) reaching 10 million consumers monthly. BigSpark acquired iCulture website effective January 1, 2025. Directors: Arjan Kropman.
• iCultureminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApple news website iCulture (iculture.nl) acquired by BigSpark as of January 1, 2025. Largest Apple website in Netherlands with reviews, tips, workshops, and news reaching thousands daily. Now part of Think Tech platform alongside iPhoned and iCreate.
• LibrisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHistorisch Nieuwsblad and Libris partnership for promoting history stories to broad audiences. Includes annual Libris Geschiedenis Prijs award, Geschiedenis Festival, and De Historische BoekenCast podcast.
• Brenda KooktminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKoken & Genieten collaboration with food blogger Brenda Kookt developing inspiring recipes, exclusive cooking videos, and kitchen tips. Started with special magazine edition featuring Brenda's favorite dishes, followed by online cooking workshops and themed recipe series.
• WijnkringcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodies Magazine wine-food pairing partnership with Wijnkring's 110+ wine shops. Includes monthly wine column, wine stories from wineries, tasting profiles, 'wine of the month' with recipe pairing, and social media reels by Foodies chef Willem van Santen. Wine selection advised by importer Verbunt Verlinden.
• Daphne's Diary BVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&L Media acquired all shares of Daphne's Diary BV, publisher of Daphne's Diary feelgood magazine. Magazine follows life of Daphne and family with inspiring stories, recipes, and workshops. Published 8x annually in 26 countries, 4 languages. Includes product portfolio of paperbacks, agendas, and special editions. Founders remain involved for six months for transition.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• VNU Business Media: Dutch B2B and B2C magazine publisher covering technology, automotive, and lifestyle verticals. Closely comparable to F&L Media as a multi-niche Dutch magazine publisher operating subscription and advertising models.
• Tweakers: Largest Dutch tech product comparison and news platform. Directly comparable to c't, iCreate, and Think Tech platform as a tech-focused media brand in the Netherlands with strong advertising and product review content.
• Immediate Media: UK-based special-interest magazine publisher (BBC Gardeners' World Magazine UK, science, food, tech titles). Comparable to F&L Media as a multi-niche consumer magazine publisher with strong subscription economics, digital extensions, and event monetization; notably publishes the UK Gardeners' World that F&L Media licenses for the Dutch edition.
• Bauhaus Media (Auto, Motor und Sport): European automotive media publisher with magazines and websites. Comparable to Auto Review as a niche automotive magazine brand serving enthusiast audiences with reviews, comparisons, and second-hand buying advice.

Broad incumbents

• DPG Media: Largest Dutch media group operating newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms including brands like Libelle, Margriet, and Donald Duck. Overlaps with F&L Media as a Dutch multi-brand magazine publisher competing for the same consumer attention and advertising budgets.
• Bonnier Publications: Nordic multi-brand magazine publisher with titles across home, garden, lifestyle, and tech. Comparable to F&L Media as a multi-vertical niche magazine group operating across multiple European countries with subscription and advertising models.
• Sanoma: Leading Nordic media and publishing group with magazines, news media, and learning services. Directly comparable as a multi-brand magazine publisher operating across multiple European countries with both consumer magazines and advertising-based revenue.
• ANWB: Dutch traffic association operating media platforms (AutoWeek, Kampeer en Caravan Kampioen). Comparable to Auto Review as a Dutch automotive enthusiast publisher with print, digital, and event monetization.
• Future plc: Global multi-brand media company operating niche enthusiast titles across tech (Tom's Guide, TechRadar), gaming, food, and home. Comparable to F&L Media as a portfolio operator of niche consumer media brands with subscription, advertising, and e-commerce revenue streams.
• Hearst Netherlands: Dutch subsidiary of global Hearst Corporation publishing titles including ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, and men's magazines. Comparable as a niche lifestyle and special-interest magazine publisher with multi-brand portfolio and digital extensions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fnl-media

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about F&L Media