HEUKING advises Essen-based start-up BRYGHT on its investment deal with Axel Springer Group

BRYGHT GmbH, a start-up based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, that is developing a European infrastructure platform for the creator economy, has successfully entered into an investment agreement with Axel Springer. A Düsseldorf-based HEUKING team led by partner Dr. Patrick Müller provided comprehensive legal counsel to BRYGHT in connection with the transaction.

BRYGHT is a platform that enables creators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs to build independent business models from their audiences. The company offers an integrated infrastructure comprising its own marketplace, payment solution, memberships, community features, and direct communication between creators and their communities. The platform is GDPR-compliant, euro-denominated, and specifically designed for the European market.

Since its launch in October 2025, BRYGHT has experienced dynamic growth. The gross merchandise volume generated through the platform has doubled month over month since October. With the investment by Axel Springer, BRYGHT is adding a critical new dimension to its platform: distribution. Going forward, creators on BRYGHT will gain access to selected media channels and reach provided by Axel Springer.

BRYGHT was founded in 2024 by Til Wiesenberg, Max Knöfel, and Jonas Wiesenberg and is headquartered in Essen.

The team led by Dr. Patrick Müller, LL.M. previously provided comprehensive legal counsel to BRYGHT in connection with a pre-seed financing round in April 2025.

Counsel to BRYGHT GmbH
HEUKING:
Dr. Patrick Müller, LL.M. (University of the West of England, Bristol), (lead),
Ilona Schütz,
Laura Jochem, LL.M. (University of East Anglia, Norwich), (all M&A / Venture Capital), all Düsseldorf