The music licensing industry in the US plays a crucial role in connecting creators with users of music. This ecosystem includes record labels, music publishers, and tech startups that facilitate the licensing process. Companies in this space offer services like distribution, rights management, and licensing platforms for artists and content creators seeking to use music legally. In recent years, with the rise of streaming services and digital content, the demand for music licensing has soared. Innovative technologies are emerging, driving efficiencies in rights management and opening new revenue streams for artists, while fostering a vibrant creative community.

This list includes a mix of corporate and venture capital investors primarily located in key US cities like New York, San Francisco, and Nashville. Companies range from major music entities like Universal Music Group to venture firms like 500 Global. With varying sizes and founded years—some dating back to the 1920s—these investors significantly impacted the music licensing space in 2024, making notable transactions across the board. The total number of investments in 2024 reflects robust activity, showcasing their confidence in the sector's ongoing evolution.

Top 16 Music Licensing Investors in the US

1. Warner Music Group

• Website: wmg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: warner-music-group

Warner Music Group Corp. is a prominent music company based in New York, founded in 1958. It operates primarily in the music industry, focusing on recorded music and music publishing. The company provides a range of services to artists and songwriters, including support for music distribution and rights management. Warner Music Group has been actively investing in the music licensing space, as evidenced by their strategic investment in Lickd, a London-based music licensing marketplace, which raised £5.1 million to expand its commercial song library. Additionally, WMG participated in the Series Seed financing for Pex, a company that specializes in music rights management, further highlighting their commitment to enhancing music licensing solutions. Their acquisition of Africori, a leading independent African distributor, also reflects their strategy to broaden their reach and capabilities in the music industry, including licensing. Overall, Warner Music Group is a key investor in the music licensing sector, supporting innovative platforms and services that facilitate music rights management and distribution.

2. Live Nation Entertainment

• Website: livenationentertainment.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: live-nation

Live Nation Entertainment is a leading live entertainment company based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 1996. The company specializes in producing concerts, selling tickets, and connecting brands to music, serving music fans, artists, and brands globally. In recent years, Live Nation has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its presence in the live music market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a majority stake in DG Medios, a prominent independent concert promoter in Chile, which enhances their footprint in Latin America. They also acquired Bergen Live, a Norwegian promoter, and a controlling stake in UK promoter Cuffe & Taylor, known for major events like Greenwich Music Time. These acquisitions reflect Live Nation's commitment to growing its portfolio of live music events, which often necessitates music licensing agreements to facilitate performances. Additionally, their investment in Insomniac Events, known for the Electric Daisy Carnival, underscores their interest in diverse music genres, further intertwining their operations with music licensing.

3. Universal Music Group

• Website: universalmusic.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1934
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: universalmusicgroup

Universal Music Group (UMG) is a leading music production company based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 1934. UMG offers a wide range of services, including music production, artist management, and distribution, supporting artists and songwriters globally. In 2024, UMG announced its acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million, which includes significant music licensing entities like CD Baby and Songtrust, enhancing their capabilities in music rights management. Additionally, UMG has acquired a majority stake in Nigeria's Mavin Global and the independent music company PIAS, further expanding their influence in the music industry. These strategic acquisitions highlight UMG's commitment to navigating and shaping the music licensing landscape, making them a key player in this sector.

4. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In the context of music licensing, 500 Global has participated in several notable transactions, including investments in HAAWK, a rights management and content monetization company, which raised funds in both 2017 and 2023. Additionally, they have invested in SoundBetter, a platform for music professionals, and Thematic, which focuses on music licensing for content creators. These transactions highlight 500 Global's engagement in the music licensing space, showcasing their interest in innovative startups that operate within this industry.

5. Government of Canada

• Website: canada.ca
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 137
• LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of music licensing, the Government of Canada has engaged in several grant transactions aimed at supporting music-related initiatives. Notable transactions include grants to LyricFind and Ad Litteram, both announced on August 17, 2022, as well as a grant to Music PEI for $17,925 on March 4, 2025. Additionally, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra received a significant grant of $516,077 on March 21, 2025. These transactions highlight the government's role in promoting and sustaining the music industry, particularly in areas related to licensing and rights management.

6. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments are companies like Genius, which raised $1.9 million in a seed round in 2011 and focuses on music lyrics and annotations, and Soundry AI, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round in 2024, potentially operating in the music technology space. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that have relevance to the music licensing industry.

7. Concord

• Website: concord.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: concordofficial

Concord is a Nashville-based music publisher and entertainment company founded in 1969. It specializes in sound recordings, music publishing, and theatrical performance rights, supporting artists and songwriters in managing their music rights. Concord has a significant catalog of works across various genres. Notably, in 2020, Concord Music Publishing acquired a majority stake in Pulse Music Group for over $100 million, enhancing its music publishing capabilities and allowing it to administer Pulse's catalog and future signings. In 2018, Concord further expanded its catalog by acquiring Fania Records and Publishing for approximately $30 million, which included around 19,000 master recordings and 8,000 compositions, significantly bolstering its presence in Latin music. These strategic acquisitions highlight Concord's commitment to music licensing and rights management, making it a key player in the industry.

8. Sony Music Entertainment

• Website: sonymusic.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1929
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: sony-music-entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a corporate investor based in New York, New York, founded in 1929. As a leading music entertainment company, it specializes in music production, distribution, and artist management, serving a diverse customer base that includes music listeners and artists. In recent years, Sony Music has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the music industry, including the purchase of Columbia Records, Som Livre for $255 million, and a majority stake in Alamo Records for approximately $250 million. These acquisitions enhance their music catalog and licensing capabilities. Additionally, their investment in Rapchat, a music-making app for hip hop artists, reflects their commitment to supporting innovative platforms that contribute to music discovery and artist development. Overall, Sony Music Entertainment is actively involved in the music licensing industry through its strategic acquisitions and investments.

9. SV Angel

• Website: svangel.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 44
• LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. SV Angel provides financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts to help startups navigate business challenges. Notably, SV Angel has participated in several transactions relevant to the music industry, including Splice, a platform for music creators that raised $2.75 million in seed funding, and Genius, which raised $1.9 million in its seed round. Additionally, they invested in Catch+Release, a company that operates in the music licensing space, further demonstrating their engagement with music-related ventures.

10. TechNexus Venture Collaborative

• Website: technexus.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: technexus

TechNexus Venture Collaborative is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on creating growth opportunities for corporations and entrepreneurs through joint ventures, investment funds, and a collaboration center aimed at fostering innovation and market entry for startups. TechNexus has been involved in several notable transactions in the music technology sector, including a significant investment in LANDR, which raised $26 million in its Series B financing round, and Rapchat, which has raised funding to support its app for producing and sharing hip-hop tracks. These transactions highlight TechNexus's commitment to supporting ventures that contribute to the music licensing and production landscape.

11. Goodwater Capital

• Website: goodwatercap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, but has also made notable investments in the music technology space. For instance, they participated in a $1.7 million seed funding round for SoundMint, a platform for music NFTs, and co-led an $8.65 million funding round for Moises, a music-tech company. These transactions highlight Goodwater's engagement with innovative solutions in the music industry, particularly in areas that enhance music licensing and distribution.

12. Accel

• Website: accel.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 101
• LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with additional offices in London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has invested in Myxt, a collaborative music workplace that raised $2 million in seed funding in 2023, aimed at developing a centralized audio workplace and expanding its community of creators. This investment highlights Accel's engagement in the music industry. Additionally, they have a history of investing in companies like Pond5, a stock video company, which, while not directly related to music licensing, indicates their interest in media and content platforms. Their involvement in these transactions suggests a broader interest in the creative and media sectors, making them a relevant player in the music licensing space.

13. Apple

• Website: apple.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: apple

Apple Inc. is a technology company based in Cupertino, California, specializing in consumer electronics, software, and digital services. Founded in 1976, Apple has grown to become a leader in innovation, offering products such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. In recent years, Apple has made significant investments in the music industry, particularly through its music streaming service, Apple Music. Notable transactions include a $50 million investment in UnitedMasters, a platform that empowers artists by providing them with direct access to their fans and control over their music. Apple also acquired Platoon, a music distribution company, to enhance its artist services. In 2023, Apple acquired BIS Records, a Swedish record label, to expand its classical music offerings within the Apple Music Classical app. Additionally, the acquisition of Shazam Entertainment for $400 million in 2017 has allowed Apple to integrate music recognition technology into its ecosystem, further solidifying its presence in the music licensing arena.

14. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in several significant transactions in the music technology space, including investments in Napster, a prominent music streaming service, and Moises, a music-tech company that raised $8.65 million in a funding round co-led by other notable investors. Additionally, they have participated in seed rounds for companies like Audioshake and Pixelynx, further demonstrating their engagement in the music licensing and technology sectors.

15. The Raine Group

• Website: raine.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: the-raine-group

The Raine Group is a New York-based investment bank founded in 2009, specializing in advisory and investment services within the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors. They provide a range of services including mergers and acquisitions advisory, private capital raising, and growth equity investments. The Raine Group has made notable investments in the music industry, including a significant investment in SoundCloud, which aims to empower audio creators and enhance the platform's development and marketing. They also invested in Amuse, a music distribution service that raised $15 million in Series A funding, and MusicInfra, which raised $4.5 million in a Pre-Seed round. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative companies within the music licensing and distribution space, making them a relevant player in the industry.

16. Amazon

• Website: amazon.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 37
• LinkedIn: amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, primarily known for its e-commerce platform. However, it has diversified its operations to include cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence services. As an investor, Amazon has shown a keen interest in the music licensing industry through its Alexa Fund, which has invested in companies like Musaic, a high-resolution wireless HiFi system, and Splash, which focuses on AI-powered virtual instruments and music community building. Additionally, Amazon's acquisition of Twitch, a leading platform for live streaming that includes a significant amount of music content, and their investment in Yousician, a music education platform, further highlight their engagement in the music sector. These transactions reflect Amazon's strategy to integrate music into its broader ecosystem, making it a relevant player in the music licensing space.

Music Licensing Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Warner Music Group	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1958	4
Live Nation Entertainment	Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)	10001+	1996	5
Universal Music Group	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1934	9
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Government of Canada	Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)	10001+	1999	137
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
Concord	Nashville, Tennessee, United States (USA)	501-1000	1969	1
Sony Music Entertainment	New York, New York, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1929	13
SV Angel	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2009	44
TechNexus Venture Collaborative	Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)	11-50	2007	5
Goodwater Capital	Burlingame, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2014	41
Accel	Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)	51-200	1983	101
Apple	Cupertino, California, United States (USA)	10001+	1976	7
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
The Raine Group	New York, New York, United States (USA)	201-500	2009	8
Amazon	Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)	10001+		37

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