Following a successful launch in May 2020, BPI and Music Ally are delighted to announce the extension of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme, with free BPI membership extended for a further year and a further six-months free access to Music Ally’s subscription business information service.
The initiative, designed to bring the music industry and tech startups closer together, has seen a community of 35 startup organisations develop, with virtual meetings held to provide the startups with invaluable opportunities to network, which has been made particularly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A key component of the programme was a free eight-episode video series available on YouTube, aimed to demystify the industry for anyone passionate about innovating in music. A further four episodes have been commissioned for 2021, with further details expected next year.
The video series acts as a learning resource for those interested in the world of music/tech startups, and features an impressive array of high-level executives drawn from record labels and distributors (Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music UK, PIAS), PROs (PPL, PRS), accelerators/incubators (Abbey Road Red, Marathon Artists Labs), law firms (Reed Smith), advisors (Lewis Silkin/ Eleven Advisory, Becky Brook Consulting) and successful tech start-ups (Melody VR, Landmrk, JAAK, Click’n’Clear).
More information about the Music & Tech Springboard Programme can be found here, including details for startups on applications.
Casandra Strauss, Senior Special Projects Manager, and the creator of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme for the BPI commented:
“We’re really excited to announce the extension of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme! The vision and ambition of the startups involved has been brilliant and I know that they have ideas that will shape the music industry for years to come. It's been a privilege to play a small part in their development and connection to our industry. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our fantastic partners Music Ally, and all the innovators in our industry who contributed to the video series that will hopefully enlighten and inspire more startups around the world. We can't wait to see this develop further!”
Paul Brindley, CEO & Co-Founder Music Ally, said:
“We’ve been really pleased to see the interest generated so far in the Music & Tech Springboard Programme. The breadth and depth of information from the industry practitioners involved gives any startup much needed insight into how best to approach and deal with what is after all a complex music business environment. We’re delighted to be asked again by the BPI to continue working on the programme and we also encourage all qualifying startups to take up our offer of free access to our business information service.”
Alexandra Williamson, Managing Director, Blue Rhythm, said:
“We know Blue Rhythm would not be in this position today, if not for BPI’s Music and Tech Springboard Program. This membership has not only provided access to a network of highly knowledgeable and experienced individuals, but also a set of unique resources which have enabled Blue Rhythm to understand how best to provide support for artists within the ecosystem that is the Music Industry.”
Jamie Ford, Artist & Label Services, Byta, said:
“The Music & Tech Springboard Programme has allowed Byta to directly connect to record labels and music organisations. Through events and direct introductions to those who will benefit from sending & receiving pre-release audio in a clean, simple and secure way on Byta's platform. The resources available via the programme are invaluable - from videos with industry professionals via BPI to regular insights and news direct to your inbox via Music Ally and Sandbox. The international workshops hold fantastic insights and have been integral in understanding a global music audience for Byta. Oh, and a very handy online members area plus so much more. Thanks again to the whole team at BPI and Music Ally - we'll definitely be with you in 2021!”
Zach Poag, Co-founder & CEO, Gogopix, said:
“BPI has done a solid for music-centric startups with the Springboard programme. Where else can you get your hands on live education and company presentations about the paramount topics within legal, formats, channels and trends that your startup will explore or is working on right now? Additionally, the networking opportunities during the year provide terrific opportunities to get real product feedback and connect with potential partners. Highly recommended.”