Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is a leading global music company that specializes in recorded music, music publishing, and merchandising services. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, it identifies and develops recording artists and songwriters, producing and promoting critically acclaimed and commercially successful music. The company's recorded music segment encompasses multiple renowned labels, including Interscope, Capitol Music, Motown Records, and Def Jam, and features prominent artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen. Universal Music Group also administers copyrights for musical compositions, generating revenue from public performances and various media, including films and advertisements. Additionally, it sells artist and music-branded products through diverse channels, including online platforms, retail fashion outlets, and live performances.

Timothy Xu

Chairman and CEO

40 past transactions

VenewLive

Corporate Round in 2021
VenewLive is a live performance streaming platform based in Los Angeles, California, that connects global music fans with live events. The platform allows users to experience the excitement of on-stage performances from the comfort of their own homes, delivering high-quality streaming of concerts and events. By leveraging technology, VenewLive aims to enhance the accessibility of live music, enabling audiences to engage with their favorite artists and performances regardless of their physical location.

Big Machine Label Group

Acquisition in 2019
Big Machine Label Group is a music label that specializes in country music and also includes pop music labels. The organization focuses on supporting artists and musicians by managing their music rights, which encompasses songwriting, publishing, and recording. Additionally, Big Machine collaborates with terrestrial radio to secure performance royalty rights for its artists, ensuring they receive proper compensation for their work.

Invenio Business Solutions

Venture Round in 2019
Invenio Business Solutions Limited is a UK-based company that specializes in information technology consulting services and solutions across various sectors, including public, media and entertainment, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. As an SAP Gold Partner, Invenio offers a range of SAP solutions, such as SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA, and SAP supply chain management platforms, alongside its proprietary offerings like financial solutions and broadcast management systems. The company provides essential services including integration, analytics, implementation, and ongoing support to enhance client operations. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Reading, Invenio has built strategic partnerships with leading organizations, including major media firms and government entities, to effectively address complex business challenges through its expertise in SAP-based solutions.

INgrooves

Acquisition in 2019
INgrooves is a prominent provider of digital distribution, marketing, and promotion services for the music, video, and book publishing sectors. It operates through its proprietary ONE Digital platform, which offers distribution and administrative support tailored to the needs of distributors, record labels, and film production companies. The company focuses on helping clients maximize the earnings potential of their audio and video releases by providing customized solutions that include marketing, synch licensing, and administrative support. Additionally, INscribe Digital, a service launched in 2010, assists publishers of all sizes in managing their digital operations with a straightforward and transparent approach. Overall, INgrooves delivers scalable tools and services designed to enhance sales and streamline operations for independent labels and content owners in the global market.

Def Jam Recordings

Seed Round in 2018
Def Jam Recordings is a music company based out of 1755 Broadway, New York, New York, United States. Def Jam is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Def Jam was founded by producers Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in 1984. The pair helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream with artists including the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J.

Pex

Seed Round in 2017
Pex operates a digital rights technology business focused on enhancing transparency and efficiency in the licensing and management of content. Its core offering, the Attribution Engine, functions as a three-sided marketplace that connects rightsholders, platforms, and creators. This platform simplifies the licensing process by providing clear ownership information, ensuring quick resolution of disputes, and enabling digital media-sharing platforms to identify copyrighted material at the point of upload. The Attribution Engine is built on a robust analytics and rights management infrastructure and is supported by a comprehensive database of rights information sourced directly from rightsholders. This database is freely accessible to rightsholders and easily set up by platforms, allowing for real-time decision-making and ensuring that creators can use copyrighted content responsibly while guaranteeing that rightsholders receive appropriate credit and compensation.

Mass Appeal

Series A in 2017
Mass Appeal Media, Inc. is a multifaceted media company that produces and develops documentaries, scripted series, and unscripted formats for the film and television industry. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in New York, it has evolved from its origins as a graffiti magazine into a prominent publisher of urban lifestyle content. The company creates and publishes music, digital video, and editorial content, while also specializing in the production of premium advertising and branded content. Mass Appeal designs and executes marketing campaigns for global brands, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that spans music, art, and fashion. Its unique perspective aims to document the cultural convergence of these elements, engaging opinion leaders and trendsetters in contemporary conversations.

Verve

Seed Round in 2016
Verve is a global leader in word-of-mouth sales within the live entertainment industry, utilizing networks of advocates to promote events and experiences. By incentivizing these advocates with rewards like free tickets and backstage passes, Verve effectively drives sales for over 500 events across more than 40 countries. The company collaborates with various prominent partners, including major ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster and Eventbrite, to enhance its offerings. Through its innovative peer-to-peer sales and marketing software, Verve has established itself as a trusted name in the sector, focusing on creating authentic connections within the live entertainment marketplace.

Fame House

Acquisition in 2016
FAME HOUSE is a digital marketing company that takes “digital” off of the plate of the manager, artist, label, and brand. We run online marketing campaigns all day – every day – and manage digital operations for top-level artists and entertainment companies. We are experts at building and managing direct-to-fan campaigns and digital merchandising. Not only do we turn talent into Likes, Follows, Email Addresses, and web traffic for our clients; but we also build digital infrastructure, revenue streams, and brands; which in turn converts into more dollars for licensing, touring, merchandise, and record sales.

ROLI

Series B in 2016
ROLI is creating the future of musical expression. It started with the Seaboard, an award-winning digital keyboard that you can play with all the depth and nuance of an acoustic instrument. ROLI now makes a huge range of music-making tools — from pocket-sized drum pads like the Lightpad Block to all-in-one systems like the Songmaker Kit. Its devices are incredibly expressive, and they’re also accessible. So whether creators are learning musical skills or honing their technique, they can make music in new ways with ROLI. ROLI investors include Sony Innovation Fund, Foundry Group, Firstmark Capital, Balderton Capital, Founders Forum, and Pharrell Williams (ROLI's Chief Creative Officer). Music creation hardware includes: Seaboard RISE 25, Seaboard RISE 49, Seaboard Block, Lightpad Block, Loop Block, Live Block, and Touch Block. Music creation software includes: Equator, Cypher2, Strobe2, and the NOISE for iOS app. Platform products include the C++ audio coding framework JUCE.

Doppler Labs

Series B in 2015
Doppler Labs, founded in 2013, is a wearable technology company focused on enhancing user experiences through innovative audio products. Its first digital product, Here Active Listening, was recognized as one of TIME magazine's Best Inventions of 2015. In February 2017, the company launched Here One, an advanced version of its initial offering, which combined the functionalities of premium sound quality, Smart Noise Cancellation, and Speech Enhancement in a single, wireless smart headphone. Doppler Labs aims to create immersive and human-centric computing experiences through its cutting-edge products.

Jelli

Series B in 2015
Jelli, Inc. operates as a cloud-based advertising company for the radio market in the United States. It offers SpotPlan, a Web-based programmatic buying platform for buying radio advertising; RadioSpot, a cloud-based advertising server for broadcast radio, and automating terrestrial radio advertising; and RadioDash, a campaign dashboard for radio campaigns. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in San Mateo, California. As of December 31, 2018, Jelli, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc.

Shots Studios

Series A in 2015
Shots Studios, Inc. is a data-driven entertainment company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2011 by John and Sam Shahidi. The company specializes in producing online comedy and music videos targeted at Millennials and Gen Z, collaborating with prominent creators such as Lele Pons and Rudy Mancuso. Shots Studios operates a creator network that offers media management services to influencers and celebrities, focusing on original mobile-first content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. With its content garnering over 1.2 billion minutes of viewing per month, Shots Studios has established itself as a leading digital media company in the evolving landscape of online entertainment. The firm is backed by notable figures including Justin Bieber and Floyd Mayweather, highlighting its strong connections within the entertainment industry.

VULCUN

Series A in 2015
Vulcun offers the largest prize pools in Fantasy eSports today, allowing gamers to support their favorite pro players and win hundreds of thousands in real money each season. The service is trusted by dozens of Pro players such as Voyboy, Imaqtpie, MandatoryCloud, Westrice and others.

Houseparty

Series B in 2015
Houseparty is an internet company that features an online platform that serves as a social network that brings empathy to online communication. The company specializes in the fields of internet, social network, and video chat. It was founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Merchbar

Seed Round in 2014
Merchbar, Inc. operates an online platform dedicated to selling merchandise from various music bands and artists. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company offers a wide range of products including apparel, posters, hoodies, vinyl records, compact discs, jackets, hats, and accessories. Merchbar provides fans with a convenient way to discover and purchase items related to their favorite artists, facilitating access to music-related merchandise at reasonable prices. Through its marketplace, Merchbar aims to enhance the fan experience by making it easier to find and buy desired products.

Pluto TV

Series A in 2014
Pluto TV is a free streaming television service that offers over 100 live channels and a vast library of on-demand movies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the platform partners with major television networks, movie studios, publishers, and digital media companies to provide a diverse range of content, including news, sports, lifestyle programming, cartoons, and trending digital series. Accessible via mobile apps, web browsers, and connected TV devices, Pluto TV attracts millions of viewers each month, making it a leading choice for free entertainment in the United States. As a subsidiary of Viacom International Inc., Pluto TV continues to expand its offerings and reach a broad audience.

Pluto TV

Seed Round in 2014
Pluto TV is a free streaming television service that offers over 100 live channels and a vast library of on-demand movies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the platform partners with major television networks, movie studios, publishers, and digital media companies to provide a diverse range of content, including news, sports, lifestyle programming, cartoons, and trending digital series. Accessible via mobile apps, web browsers, and connected TV devices, Pluto TV attracts millions of viewers each month, making it a leading choice for free entertainment in the United States. As a subsidiary of Viacom International Inc., Pluto TV continues to expand its offerings and reach a broad audience.

ROLI

Series A in 2014
ROLI is creating the future of musical expression. It started with the Seaboard, an award-winning digital keyboard that you can play with all the depth and nuance of an acoustic instrument. ROLI now makes a huge range of music-making tools — from pocket-sized drum pads like the Lightpad Block to all-in-one systems like the Songmaker Kit. Its devices are incredibly expressive, and they’re also accessible. So whether creators are learning musical skills or honing their technique, they can make music in new ways with ROLI. ROLI investors include Sony Innovation Fund, Foundry Group, Firstmark Capital, Balderton Capital, Founders Forum, and Pharrell Williams (ROLI's Chief Creative Officer). Music creation hardware includes: Seaboard RISE 25, Seaboard RISE 49, Seaboard Block, Lightpad Block, Loop Block, Live Block, and Touch Block. Music creation software includes: Equator, Cypher2, Strobe2, and the NOISE for iOS app. Platform products include the C++ audio coding framework JUCE.

Rockbot

Seed Round in 2014
Rockbot, Inc. provides a comprehensive music solution for businesses, enabling them to manage their soundtracks and enhance guest engagement through an online dashboard. The company assists clients with music licensing, hardware setup, and technical support, allowing for remote control of music playback. Rockbot serves a variety of industries, including restaurants, retail, fitness, hotels, bars, and educational institutions. Additionally, it offers a mobile app that allows customers to select licensed music in public venues from their smartphones. Founded in 2009 and originally named Roqbot, Inc., the company rebranded to Rockbot, Inc. in 2013 and is headquartered in Oakland, California, with an additional office in Detroit, Michigan.

Pogoseat

Seed Round in 2014
Pogoseat, Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, offers a mobile application that enhances the live entertainment experience for fans attending sports events and concerts. The platform allows users to upgrade their seats and purchase unique VIP experiences directly from their smartphones during events. By providing an enterprise solution for sports teams and concert venues, Pogoseat aims to increase fan engagement, monetize unused inventory, and collect valuable data to further enhance the overall experience for attendees. The application includes features such as seat upgrade technology, text-to-buy options, and subscription passes, catering to the needs of sports teams, concert venues, ticket brokers, and promoters alike.

Bellabeat

Seed Round in 2014
Bellabeat, Inc. is a company that develops technology-driven wellness products specifically for women, operating both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company offers a range of products designed to help women monitor their health and well-being at various stages of life. This includes devices that track sleep, activity, and reproductive health, allowing users to manage stress and enhance their overall lifestyle. In addition to its product offerings, Bellabeat operates a research platform that enables users to assess wellness techniques, such as supplements and fasting, while sharing encrypted data to gain personalized insights. The company's products are available through various channels, including independent stores, resellers, and online retailers. With a focus on empowering women, Bellabeat aims to foster a better understanding of personal health and well-being.

ROLI

Series A in 2014
ROLI is creating the future of musical expression. It started with the Seaboard, an award-winning digital keyboard that you can play with all the depth and nuance of an acoustic instrument. ROLI now makes a huge range of music-making tools — from pocket-sized drum pads like the Lightpad Block to all-in-one systems like the Songmaker Kit. Its devices are incredibly expressive, and they’re also accessible. So whether creators are learning musical skills or honing their technique, they can make music in new ways with ROLI. ROLI investors include Sony Innovation Fund, Foundry Group, Firstmark Capital, Balderton Capital, Founders Forum, and Pharrell Williams (ROLI's Chief Creative Officer). Music creation hardware includes: Seaboard RISE 25, Seaboard RISE 49, Seaboard Block, Lightpad Block, Loop Block, Live Block, and Touch Block. Music creation software includes: Equator, Cypher2, Strobe2, and the NOISE for iOS app. Platform products include the C++ audio coding framework JUCE.

Shazam

Venture Round in 2014
Shazam Entertainment Limited is a company that specializes in music discovery through its mobile application, Shazam, available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in London, the application allows users to identify, explore, and share music and television content. Shazam also offers applications for MAC and Windows PC platforms. The company has established strategic partnerships with major media entities such as iHeartMedia, Cumulus, Entercom, Cox, and Sun Broadcast Group, enhancing its reach within the music and entertainment sectors. In addition to its London headquarters, Shazam has offices in several locations, including New York City, Redwood City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and North Sydney, Australia. As a subsidiary of Apple Operations Europe since 2018, Shazam continues to play a significant role in connecting artists with fans.

Stance

Series B in 2014
Stance, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of socks and underwear for men, women, and children. The company offers a diverse range of products, including casual, performance, snow, and artist socks, as well as anklets, thigh highs, knee highs, and a variety of underwear. Stance aims to help athletes, performers, and cultural influencers express their individuality through its unique designs. Founded in 2009, Stance is based in San Clemente, California, and sells its products online and through retail partnerships in major cities like San Clemente, Salt Lake City, and New York.

Eagle Rock Entertainment

Acquisition in 2014
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest global producer and distributor of music programming across various formats, including DVD, Blu-Ray, television, and digital media. The company collaborates closely with renowned artists to create high-quality concert films and documentaries, featuring iconic acts such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and U2. With a vast library of nearly 2,000 hours of programming, Eagle Rock offers over 800 titles available worldwide. The company has received numerous accolades, including Emmy and Grammy Awards, as well as multiple platinum and gold certifications for its releases. Additionally, Eagle Rock operates two audio music labels and has recently launched physical and digital albums by artists like Ronnie Wood and Counting Crows, further solidifying its position in the music industry.

WillCall

Seed Round in 2013
WillCall curates a list of the best shows happening in your city and makes it easy to buy tickets with just a few taps — no waiting in line or dealing with the box office required. It’s the music discovery and ticketing app for people who want to have fun. A lot of love is put into the shows featured on the WillCall list, so you'll have no excuse to stay home.

Wool and the Gang

Seed Round in 2013
Wool and the Gang is a global fashion brand that believes in exceptional design that’s Made Unique. Never factory made, each Wool and the Gang item is handcrafted or knitted by the Gang – the team of artisans and makers around the world. Their designs can also be bought as easy-to-follow Knit Kits, which allows you to knit your own customized Wool and the Gang designs at home.

EMI Group

Acquisition in 2012
The [EMI Group](http://www.emigroup.com) is a British music company. It's comprised of EMI Music (based in London) and EMI Music Publishing (based in New York). EMI Music is considered one of the "big four" record companies.

Stance

Series A in 2011
Stance, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of socks and underwear for men, women, and children. The company offers a diverse range of products, including casual, performance, snow, and artist socks, as well as anklets, thigh highs, knee highs, and a variety of underwear. Stance aims to help athletes, performers, and cultural influencers express their individuality through its unique designs. Founded in 2009, Stance is based in San Clemente, California, and sells its products online and through retail partnerships in major cities like San Clemente, Salt Lake City, and New York.

MOG

Series C in 2008
MOG Inc. is a music media company founded in June 2005, focused on enhancing the music listening experience through its on-demand streaming service. The platform offers access to a vast library of over 14 million songs and one million albums, available across multiple devices including mobile apps for iPhone and Android, web browsers, and various streaming devices. MOG's user-friendly interface, exceptional discovery features, and high audio quality set it apart from competitors. Additionally, MOG operates The MOG Music Network, which is a prominent online destination for music content and the largest music-focused advertising network, attracting over 60 million unique visitors each month across more than 1,500 music websites. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, MOG has received investment from notable firms, including Menlo Ventures and Universal Music Group, and features Grammy-winning producer Rick Rubin on its Board of Directors.

Amp'd Mobile

Venture Round in 2007
Amp'd Mobile was a mobile virtual network operator that resold services using the infrastructure of other mobile phone carriers, as it did not own its own spectrum. The company primarily targeted a younger audience, positioning itself in competition with other brands such as Disney Mobile, Helio, and Virgin Mobile. Despite raising over $350 million in funding, Amp'd Mobile faced financial difficulties and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in July 2007.

Amp'd Mobile

Venture Round in 2006
Amp'd Mobile was a mobile virtual network operator that resold services using the infrastructure of other mobile phone carriers, as it did not own its own spectrum. The company primarily targeted a younger audience, positioning itself in competition with other brands such as Disney Mobile, Helio, and Virgin Mobile. Despite raising over $350 million in funding, Amp'd Mobile faced financial difficulties and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in July 2007.

Amp'd Mobile

Series A in 2005
Amp'd Mobile was a mobile virtual network operator that resold services using the infrastructure of other mobile phone carriers, as it did not own its own spectrum. The company primarily targeted a younger audience, positioning itself in competition with other brands such as Disney Mobile, Helio, and Virgin Mobile. Despite raising over $350 million in funding, Amp'd Mobile faced financial difficulties and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in July 2007.

eMusic

Acquisition in 2001
eMusic.com Inc. operates a discovery-and-download destination for people who love music. It offers albums and audiobooks in electronic, hip-hop/R&B, classical, blues/jazz, and comedy genres. eMusic.com Inc. was formerly known as GoodNoise Corporation and changed its name to eMusic.com Inc. in June 1995. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in New York, New York. As of October 19, 2015, eMusic.com Inc. operates as a subsidiary of TriPlay Communications Ltd.

Rondor Music

Acquisition in 2000
The world's greatest song catalog from the No.1 global leader in music publishing includes hits from top recording artists, producers, and songwriters such as Eminem, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, U2, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Adele, Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, and more...

360HIPHOP.com

Venture Round in 2000
60HipHop.com, Inc. is an online destination for the latest news in politics, lifestyle, culture, commerce and music.

Magex

Venture Round in 2000
Magex, Ltd. is a digital commerce services company that specializes in electronic payment solutions for financial institutions, telecommunications operators, and e-commerce businesses. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in London, with additional offices in San Francisco and Phoenix, Magex offers a range of services, including person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments, electronic funds transfers, cross-border remittance services, mobile payments, and comprehensive stored-value card solutions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including international banks and retailers in the United States, facilitating transactions across the Internet, mobile networks, and point-of-sale systems. Magex operates as a subsidiary of Magex Holdings, Ltd.

Listen

Venture Round in 2000
Listen Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2010 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting consumer-focused technology sectors, including B2C, e-commerce, and financial services. Listen Ventures manages multiple funds, including Listen Ventures III, which invests up to $5 million in early-stage consumer brands. The firm aims to support innovative startups by providing capital and strategic guidance to foster growth and development in their respective markets.

Artistdirect

Venture Round in 2000
ARTISTdirect, Inc. is a digital media entertainment company based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 1996. The company operates an online platform that offers a range of music-related services, including multimedia content, music news, and online fan communities. It also engages in music commerce and provides digital music services. In addition, ARTISTdirect has a division dedicated to anti-piracy solutions through its MediaDefender subsidiary, which focuses on protecting against internet piracy. The company operates in three segments: Internet Piracy Prevention, Media, and E-Commerce, and it features iMusic record labels that specialize in rock and urban music.
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