CuriosityStream Completes Full Buyout of German JV, Gaining Control of DACH Streaming and Pay-TV
CURI•CuriosityStream acquired the remaining German joint-venture stakes from SPIEGEL TV and Autentic, assuming 100% ownership of its DACH streaming service, Curiosity Channel pay-TV network and Curiosity Now FAST channels. Full control enables streamlined operations, broader distribution integration and new revenue from advertising, subscriptions and AI licensing.
1. Full Ownership Acquisition
On July 7, 2026, CuriosityStream completed the purchase of the remaining ownership interests in its German operations from SPIEGEL TV and Autentic, moving the business from a joint venture to a wholly owned subsidiary. Saevar Lemke will continue as General Manager, ensuring continuity for employees, affiliate partners and platform distributors.
2. Importance of German Market
Germany, Austria and Switzerland represent CuriosityStream’s largest non-English-speaking market, featuring a German-language SVOD service, a premium pay-TV network carried by 11 affiliate partners and a Curiosity Now FAST channel distributed across 15 platforms. The region has demonstrated strong demand for premium factual programming and serves as a key growth engine for the company’s international footprint.
3. Operational Integration and Growth
With complete control, CuriosityStream plans to integrate its German assets into the global organization to streamline content production, distribution and marketing. The company expects to leverage its global technology infrastructure, advertising partnerships and AI model training capabilities to expand subscriptions, unlock new advertising and licensing revenue streams, and drive operational efficiencies.
