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MUBI's $100M Investment Sparks Subscriber Exodus
10 Apr
Summary
- MUBI lost 200,000 subscribers in 2025 after Sequoia investment.
- The streamer incurred a $7.3 million loss on $200 million revenue.
- MUBI recovered to 1.7 million subscribers by Q1 2026.
Arthouse streamer MUBI faced significant challenges throughout 2025, losing approximately 200,000 subscribers following its $100 million investment from venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. This period saw the company end the year with around 1.2 million subscribers, down from its previous standing after securing the investment and receiving a Best Picture nomination for "The Substance."
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, MUBI also reported a financial loss of $7.3 million on revenues of $200 million. The controversy, which began last summer over Sequoia's investment in an Israeli military startup, led to staff departures and layoffs. A planned MUBI Fest in Mexico City was canceled, and the LA Festival of Movies removed MUBI as a sponsor.
Despite these difficulties, MUBI announced a new partnership with IPR.VC to fund European films. The streamer is also set to partner on six films at the upcoming Cannes festival. By the first quarter of 2026, MUBI had rebounded to a record 1.7 million subscribers, boosted by its role as the international distributor for four Oscar Best International Feature Film nominees.
