Investment Firm Guggenheim Brothers Media Launches With A Focus On Entertainment Companies At Early Or Growth Stage

EXCLUSIVE: Eyeing opportunities among early- to growth-stage media and entertainment companies, Guggenheim Brothers Media has opened its doors as a private investment firm.

One of GB Media’s first equity investments is in the comedy content platform and talent management company Stapleview, whose own debut was announced by Deadline last month. The firm has also invested in The Lighthouse, a new company in the Whalar Group, which is described as an “IRL campus for creators and their teams to learn, make, and belong.” 

Minority investments, especially those valued at less than $20 million, will be the firm’s primary focus.

GB Media is run by Dillon Lawson-Johnston and Criswell Fiordalis, each of whom has experience in the media business. Lawson-Johnston is also a descendant of the Guggenheim family and the firm’s name is a nod to the Guggenheim Brothers mining company, which by World War I was responsible for 75% of the world’s silver, copper, and lead production, according to the company. The Guggenheim family went on to finance industrial and cultural endeavors spanning aviation, rocketry, publishing, philanthropy, sports, and the arts. The family name has adorned museums in New York, Italy, Spain, and soon Abu Dhabi.

The principals have experience in corporate development, content production, business strategy, strategic growth partnerships, and talent management. Criswell held senior positions at leading media and entertainment companies, where he played an integral role in their growth, including Lionsgate, MRC, Hello Sunshine, and Webtoon. Lawson-Johnston held posts at UTA, Sugar23, Untitled Entertainment, Anonymous Content, and Coast Productions.

“The entertainment and media landscape is experiencing significant transformation and disruption, sparking a wave of reinvention across distribution, production, and talent,” Lawson-Johnston said. “With GB Media, we’re leveraging our strong relationships and years of experience within the entertainment ecosystem to provide unique access to opportunities for both investors and businesses. 

Criswell said the firm has identified “a key gap in the market” for investments under $20 million. “GB Media is here to complement existing investors and operating partners, helping to improve oversight, reduce risk, and simplify capital-raising, so teams can concentrate on reaching their goals,” he said.