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 manages artists, produces live events, and secures sponsorships. It offers services including music releases, live performances, artist management, event development, and commercial partnerships.

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 by renowned producer and artist Don Jazzy on May 8, 2012, following the closure of Mo' Hits Records. Based in Lagos, the company specializes in recording and producing music, and it has played a significant role in shaping the sound of Afrobeat music. Mavin Records offers a range of music services, including the production of albums, photos, and videos, which are distributed through various digital platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Over the years, the label has produced hit songs by several well-known artists, contributing to the evolution of the Nigerian music industry and expanding its global reach.

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 maximize their potential on major digital platforms.

Hyperion Records

Acquisition in 2023
Hyperion Records is an independent British classical music label renowned for its high-quality recordings that encompass a wide range of musical styles and historical periods, from the twelfth century to the twenty-first century. The company specializes in the recording, production, distribution, and digital download of classical music, providing a diverse selection that caters to various tastes. By focusing on exceptional artistry and sound quality, Hyperion Records aims to enhance the listening experience for classical music enthusiasts and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of music across eras.

Music Health

Seed Round in 2023
Music Health is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals through the transformative power of music. The company focuses on making music therapy accessible and affordable for everyone, particularly targeting those affected by mental health challenges. Its flagship product, Vera, is designed to support the approximately 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 patented music application that generates mood-based playlists, allowing users to craft personalized musical experiences that adapt to their emotional states, whether for social gatherings, commuting, or creating an ambiance in various settings. Through these innovative solutions, Music Health aims to empower users to effectively manage their mental health.

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. is an online platform based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in selling merchandise for various music bands and artists. Founded in 2012, the company provides a marketplace where fans can easily discover and purchase a wide range of products, including apparel, posters, vinyl records, compact discs, jackets, hats, and accessories. Merchbar aims to offer an accessible shopping experience, allowing fans to acquire merchandise from their favorite artists at reasonable prices. Through its dedicated marketplace, Merchbar connects music lovers with the merchandise they desire.

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.

Eagle Rock Entertainment

Acquisition in 2014
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest global producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, television, and digital media. The company collaborates directly with renowned artists to create high-quality content, including concerts and documentaries featuring iconic musicians such as The Rolling Stones, U2, and Queen. With a vast TV library comprising nearly 2,000 hours of programming, Eagle Rock offers over 800 titles available worldwide in various formats. The company has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including Emmy and Grammy Awards, as well as multiple multi-platinum, platinum, and gold sales certifications. Additionally, Eagle Rock operates two audio music labels and has recently released new albums in both physical and digital formats by artists such as Ronnie Wood and Counting Crows.

EMI Group

Acquisition in 2012
EMI Group is a British music company that consists of EMI Music and EMI Music Publishing. EMI Music, headquartered in London, is recognized as one of the major players in the global music industry, often referred to as one of the "big four" record companies. The company specializes in signing, developing, marketing, and promoting a diverse range of artists. In addition to its recording activities, EMI Group also handles the distribution of music to retailers. EMI Music Publishing, based in New York, focuses on music publishing, overseeing the rights and royalties of songwriters and composers. Together, these divisions enable EMI Group to play a significant role in the music landscape, connecting artists with audiences worldwide.

MOG

Series C in 2008
MOG Inc. is a music media company founded in June 2005 by David Hyman, who previously served as CEO of Gracenote. The company aims to enhance the music listening experience through its on-demand streaming service, which offers access to a vast library of over 14 million songs from more than a million albums. MOG's platform is available across multiple devices, including mobile apps for iPhone and Android, desktop applications for Mac and Windows, and streaming devices like Roku and Sonos. It is recognized for its user-friendly interface, discovery features, and high audio quality. Additionally, MOG operates The MOG Music Network, a leading platform for music content online and the largest advertising network focused on music, attracting over 60 million unique visitors monthly. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, MOG has attracted investments from notable firms and individuals, including Menlo Ventures and Rick Rubin, who serves on its 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 comprehensive coverage of hip-hop culture, trends, and news. The website serves as a central hub for enthusiasts, offering insights into various aspects of the hip-hop genre, including music, fashion, lifestyle, and politics. By delivering timely updates and information, 360HIPHOP.com caters to the interests of music fans and those engaged in hip-hop culture, ensuring they stay informed about the latest developments and trends within the community.

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 variety of services related to music and recorded labels, including multimedia content, music news, online fan communities, and digital music services. Additionally, ARTISTdirect manages iMusic record labels that focus on rock and urban music. The company also includes a subsidiary, MediaDefender, which specializes in anti-piracy solutions within the Internet-piracy-protection industry. ARTISTdirect operates through three primary segments: Internet Piracy Prevention, Media, and E-Commerce, positioning itself as a key player in the digital music landscape.
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