Pipeline, a new financing platform focused on music and the wider creative industries, has unveiled its offering to independent music companies looking to unlock the value of their intellectual property.
The company is launching with over $200 million in capital raised and the aim to quickly become the largest funder of independent music globally.
Pipeline’s launch comes as independent labels and distributors are growing their share of the global recorded music market (by ownership) from approximately 34.4% in 2015 to 46.7% in 2023 (MIDiA).
Despite this strong growth, the independent music sector remains structurally under-resourced in comparison to the major music corporations.
“Independent music companies control some of the best and most valuable IP in the industry, but they often lack efficient, affordable ways to unlock that value,” said Matt Spetzler (pictured), founding partner of Jamen Capital and co-founder & executive chairman of Pipeline. “Pipeline was built to change that dynamic, providing accessible and flexible capital, as well as IP analytics and forecasting tools, that allow independent businesses to have the resources to grow and scale on their own terms. We want to help companies unlock the value of their IP and compete on having the best artists, not the biggest chequebook.”
Pipeline provides B2B financing solutions aligned with performance of its members rather than rigid loan structures. Initially, it is focusing on working with labels and distributors, before launching a pilot with publishers and performing rights organisations (PROs) in the next couple of months.
Our ambition is to become the largest funder of independent music globally, reinforcing our company’s mission to help music companies scale and grow independently, on their own terms
Matt Spetzler
The Pipeline platform provides a tech-supported underwriting process and enables the payment of advances with minimal contractual paperwork. Pipeline is also developing a range of proprietary software tools for its members to enhance the underwriting, forecasting and IP valuation process.
The company was founded by Jamen Capital, a global media and IP-focused investment firm with experience across music, technology and rights-based businesses.
Over the past 12 months, Pipeline has assembled a leadership team with decades of experience across music, investing, finance and technology. Collectively, the team has evaluated, invested in, or operated more than $8 billion in music IP, spanning labels, publishing, distribution and analytics businesses.
During his finance career, Matt Spetzler has completed more than 10 investments in the music and audio space, totaling over $5 billion in value, and currently serves on the boards of companies including Kobalt, Soundtrack, Recognition Music Group and Muse Group. He is also a former partner and co-head of Europe at Francisco Partners and remains a senior advisor to the firm.
Spetzler added: “We aim to work closely with established partners across the music ecosystem to reduce friction, lower risk and improve speed, while enabling simpler, more flexible and advantageous deal terms versus what is currently offered to the independent community. Our ambition is to become the largest funder of independent music globally, reinforcing our company’s mission to help music companies scale and grow independently, on their own terms.”
Pipeline was advised by Raine and Moore & Van Allen in their launch and fundraising.
PHOTO: Brett Winter Lemon
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