How Airtasker’s £2.5M Media Deal with Channel 4 Could Transform UK Growth
Airtasker has landed a £2.5 million media investment from Channel 4’s venture arm to accelerate growth in the UK, building on a strong marketplace performance and deepening a strategic media partnership.
- £2.5 million follow-on media capital investment by Channel 4’s 4 Ventures
- Airtasker UK hits $21 million GMV annualised run rate as of June 2025
- Convertible note structure with repayment or equity conversion options
- Channel 4 holds repurchase rights on equity in 2028 based on revenue multiples
- Media-for-equity model fuels brand growth alongside Airtasker’s Australia and US partnerships
A Strategic Media Investment to Accelerate UK Growth
Airtasker Limited has announced a significant £2.5 million follow-on media capital investment from 4 Ventures, the venture arm of Channel Four Television Corporation in the UK. This latest funding round is designed to further accelerate Airtasker’s expansion in the UK market, where its subsidiary has already achieved a gross marketplace volume (GMV) annualised run rate exceeding $21 million as of June 2025.
The investment is structured as a convertible note, giving Airtasker UK the flexibility to either repay the principal plus a 5% coupon by October 2027 or convert the investment into equity at a 10% discount to an agreed valuation. This arrangement builds on Channel 4’s earlier investments totaling £7.5 million, which included a 20% equity stake acquired in 2023 and a similar convertible note in 2024.
Leveraging Media-for-Equity to Build Brand Recognition
Channel 4’s media-for-equity model is at the heart of this partnership, providing Airtasker UK with valuable TV advertising slots to boost brand awareness and network effects across the region. Vinay Solanki, Head of 4 Ventures, highlighted the unique advantage this model offers, combining Channel 4’s mass market reach with Airtasker’s innovative platform to drive consistent growth in a new geographic market.
For Airtasker, this media partnership strategy has proven transformative not only in the UK but also in Australia and the US, where collaborations with media giants like oOh!media, ARN, TelevisaUnivision, and iHeartMedia have turbocharged growth and profitability. Founder and CEO Tim Fung expressed enthusiasm about extending the partnership, emphasizing the opportunity to connect millions of people with flexible work opportunities and to make Airtasker a household name in the UK.
Future Ownership and Repurchase Rights
Looking ahead, Airtasker holds the right and obligation to repurchase all equity held by Channel 4 in Airtasker UK by June 2028. The repurchase price will be determined based on Airtasker UK’s revenue multiplied by Airtasker’s revenue multiple, with payment options including cash or Airtasker equity. This mechanism provides Airtasker with strategic control over its UK operations while maintaining the benefits of Channel 4’s media investment during the growth phase.
This announcement underscores Airtasker’s commitment to scaling its UK marketplace through innovative funding and marketing strategies, leveraging strong partnerships to build sustainable growth in a competitive landscape.
Bottom Line?
Airtasker’s evolving media partnership with Channel 4 sets the stage for a pivotal growth phase in the UK, with future ownership dynamics poised to shape its market trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Channel 4 convert its convertible notes into equity or opt for repayment in 2027?
- How will Airtasker’s UK revenue multiples evolve to influence the 2028 repurchase valuation?
- What impact will increased media exposure have on Airtasker’s competitive positioning in the UK?
