Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world's leading music entertainment company. It discovers, develops, and promotes recording artists and songwriters globally. UMG's core business involves recording, publishing, and merchandising music. It owns and administers copyrights to musical compositions, licensing them for various uses such as recordings, public performances, films, and advertisements. Additionally, UMG sells artist and music-branded products through diverse sales channels, including online platforms, fashion retail, and live performances. UMG houses over a dozen record labels, including Interscope, Capital Music, Motown Records, and Def Jam, representing a vast roster of successful artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen.

Michele Anthony

Executive Vice President

Timothy Xu

Chairman and CEO

Past deals in Music

8ball Music

Acquisition in 2025
8Ball Music is a record company that offers a range of services to artists, including music recording and publishing, live event management, and securing sponsorships.

PIAS

Acquisition in 2024
PIAS is an independent music network and services company that specializes in the licensing, distribution, sales, and marketing of music, film, and comedy. Founded in 1982 by Laurent Didailler and Michel Lambot, the company is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and also operates from London, England. PIAS provides a range of services including an in-house record division and partnerships with various record labels, enabling a cooperative approach to distribution. The company is dedicated to supporting independent artists and labels, ensuring their work reaches a broad audience while maintaining creative control.

Mavin Records

Acquisition in 2024
Mavin Records Limited is a prominent Nigerian record label founded on May 8, 2012, by music producer and artist Don Jazzy, following the closure of Mo' Hits Records. Based in Lagos, the label specializes in music production and distribution, offering a variety of services including albums, photos, and videos through digital platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Mavin Records has played a significant role in shaping the Afrobeat music scene and has produced hit songs for renowned artists, contributing to the evolution of diverse music genres including alternative rock and rap. The label continues to be a key player in the Nigerian music industry, delivering contemporary music that resonates with audiences.

Chabaka

Acquisition in 2023
Chabaka is a music marketing and distribution company focused on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It offers digital distribution, marketing, publishing, and services for labels and artists, helping them reach their target audience and achieve their full potential on major digital platforms.

Hyperion Records

Acquisition in 2023
Hyperion Records is an independent British classical music label that focuses on producing high-quality recordings across a wide range of genres and historical periods, spanning from the twelfth to the twenty-first century. The company is dedicated to providing an extensive catalog of classical music, emphasizing both the recording and production processes. It offers music in various formats, including downloads, ensuring accessibility for customers who wish to experience classical works from different eras. By prioritizing excellence in both performance and production, Hyperion Records serves as a prominent provider of classical music recordings.

Music Health

Seed Round in 2023
Music Health is a company dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals through the therapeutic use of music. Focused on making music therapy accessible and affordable, it aims to empower people to manage their mental health effectively. The company's flagship product, Vera, is designed to assist the 60 million individuals living with dementia and their nearly 200 million caregivers by addressing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Additionally, Music Health has developed a music application that generates mood-based playlists, allowing users to create tailored musical experiences that can adapt to various settings, such as social gatherings, commutes, or work environments. By combining technology with the healing power of music, Music Health seeks to improve the quality of life for its users.

PIAS

Corporate Round in 2022
PIAS is an independent music network and services company that specializes in the licensing, distribution, sales, and marketing of music, film, and comedy. Founded in 1982 by Laurent Didailler and Michel Lambot, the company is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and also operates from London, England. PIAS provides a range of services including an in-house record division and partnerships with various record labels, enabling a cooperative approach to distribution. The company is dedicated to supporting independent artists and labels, ensuring their work reaches a broad audience while maintaining creative control.

Shoelace Records

Acquisition in 2022
Shoelace Records is a record label that is affiliated with a Universal Music subsidiary. Shoelace started in 1996 as Shoelace Music, and over the next 20 years it released blues music for several popular blues artists, publishing 5 Billboard charting albums.

INgrooves Music Group

Acquisition in 2019
INgrooves is a prominent provider of digital distribution, marketing, and promotion services tailored for the music, video, and book publishing industries. Utilizing its proprietary ONE Digital platform, INgrooves offers customized solutions for distribution and administration to record labels, distributors, and film production companies. The company focuses on maximizing revenue potential for clients through a range of services including marketing, synch licensing, and comprehensive administrative support. Additionally, INscribe Digital, introduced in 2010, streamlines digital business management for publishers of all sizes, providing them with transparent tools to navigate the digital landscape. By offering scalable distribution tools, analytics, and rights management services, INgrooves aids independent labels and content owners in optimizing their sales in the global marketplace.

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.

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.

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 a music technology company that specializes in creating innovative hardware and software solutions for music learning and creation. The firm develops a modular music creation system that features a three-dimensional pressure-sensing digital keyboard, designed to enhance musical expression by responding to variations in pressure. ROLI's team, composed of musicians, programmers, teachers, anthropologists, engineers, and artists, is dedicated to redefining how individuals engage with music through their products, which include a range of music-making devices, software, sounds, and accessories. By focusing on the intersection of technology and music, ROLI aims to make music more accessible and expressive for users of all skill levels.

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.

ROLI

Series A in 2014
ROLI is a music technology company that specializes in creating innovative hardware and software solutions for music learning and creation. The firm develops a modular music creation system that features a three-dimensional pressure-sensing digital keyboard, designed to enhance musical expression by responding to variations in pressure. ROLI's team, composed of musicians, programmers, teachers, anthropologists, engineers, and artists, is dedicated to redefining how individuals engage with music through their products, which include a range of music-making devices, software, sounds, and accessories. By focusing on the intersection of technology and music, ROLI aims to make music more accessible and expressive for users of all skill levels.

Rockbot

Seed Round in 2014
Rockbot, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing music and media solutions for businesses, allowing them to control their soundtracks and enhance customer engagement through an online dashboard. Founded in 2009 and based in Oakland, California, with an additional office in Detroit, Rockbot offers a comprehensive platform that includes background music, digital signage, and video services. Its technology enables clients, which range from restaurants and retail stores to fitness centers and educational institutions, to customize their audio-visual experiences and manage music remotely. Rockbot also features a mobile jukebox application for iOS and Android, allowing customers to choose licensed music in public venues. The company has gained recognition in the media-for-business sector and serves nearly 50,000 businesses across North America, including notable clients such as Planet Fitness and Walmart.

ROLI

Series A in 2014
ROLI is a music technology company that specializes in creating innovative hardware and software solutions for music learning and creation. The firm develops a modular music creation system that features a three-dimensional pressure-sensing digital keyboard, designed to enhance musical expression by responding to variations in pressure. ROLI's team, composed of musicians, programmers, teachers, anthropologists, engineers, and artists, is dedicated to redefining how individuals engage with music through their products, which include a range of music-making devices, software, sounds, and accessories. By focusing on the intersection of technology and music, ROLI aims to make music more accessible and expressive for users of all skill levels.

Shazam Entertainment

Venture Round in 2014
Shazam Entertainment Limited is a technology company focused on music discovery through its flagship application, Shazam. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in London, the company enables users to discover, explore, and share music and television content via its mobile application, available on iOS, Android, and Windows platforms, as well as on MAC and Windows PCs. Shazam has established strategic alliances with several media companies, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus, to enhance its offerings and reach. The company operates additional offices in major cities, including New York City, Redwood City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and North Sydney, Australia. Since September 2018, Shazam Entertainment has functioned as a subsidiary of Apple Operations Europe.

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.

EMI Group

Acquisition in 2012
EMI Group is a British music company known for its significant presence in the music industry. It operates through two main divisions: EMI Music, headquartered in London, and EMI Music Publishing, located in New York. As one of the leading record companies, EMI Music focuses on signing, developing, marketing, and promoting artists, while also distributing their music to retailers. The company plays a crucial role in the music ecosystem, contributing to the creation and dissemination of various musical works.

MOG

Series C in 2008
MOG Inc. is a music media company established in June 2005, aimed at enhancing the music listening experience. It offers an on-demand streaming service that grants users access to a vast library of over 14 million songs from more than a million albums. This service is available across multiple platforms, including mobile apps for iPhone and Android, web browsers, and desktop applications for Mac, with plans for Windows integration. MOG's service is noted for its user-friendly interface, strong discovery features, and high audio quality. Additionally, MOG operates The MOG Music Network, a prominent online hub for music content and the largest advertising network focused on music, attracting over 60 million unique visitors monthly across more than 1,500 music-related websites. The company is based in Berkeley, California, and has garnered investment from notable firms including Menlo Ventures and Universal Music Group. Rick Rubin, a renowned record producer, serves on MOG's Board of Directors.

eMusic

Acquisition in 2001
eMusic is a digital music service for independent-minded music lovers. eMusic Members sign up for a monthly subscription that allows them to discover, download and own more music for less. eMusic also sells downloadable audio books from all major audio book publishers. For more information, visit http://www.eMusic.com/ eMusic is enrolled in Trustwave’s Trusted Commerce℠ program, which validates compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) mandated by all the major credit card associations. eMusic protects Member credit card information in accordance with payment card industry best practices.

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
360HIPHOP.com is an online platform dedicated to providing the latest news and trends in hip-hop culture. The website covers a wide range of topics, including music, fashion, lifestyle, and politics, making it a comprehensive resource for hip-hop enthusiasts. By focusing on diverse areas within the genre, 360HIPHOP.com aims to keep its audience informed and engaged with current developments and discussions in the hip-hop community.
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