UMG Connect is a first-of-its-kind innovation program designed by UMG Digital Innovation in 2021, to bring new cutting-edge technologies and ground-breaking entrepreneurial initiatives into the operational plans of UMG label representatives and artists.
The two month incubation program takes an exclusive cohort of up to four promising startups through an early-adopter program with strategic guidance, mentorship, feedback and collaboration from emerging artists and employees across the organization.
Selected startups have the opportunity to interact first-hand with their target userbases, form long-lasting mentor and advisor relationships with UMG representatives, and potentially launch larger pilot campaigns in partnership with UMG-owned labels.
Take a quick look at our alumni to date – startups spanning from fan engagement, merch, AI, gaming and health and wellness.
Over the course of the next few months, we’ll give them all a chance to tell you more about their individual stories.
2021 Cohort
- Strange Worlds (England) – Strange Worlds delivers compelling Augmented Reality, immersive and location-based experiences. The company has run hundreds of campaigns with the likes of Nickleodeon and Showtime, as well as artists such as Ariana Grande, Blackpink, and more.
- Terrible* (England)- Terrible* is a technology-driven, new-generation music merchandise company, helping artists and labels design, source, and sell their products online, at shows and on tour.
- We Are Giant (US)- We Are Giant music community platform, built to transform the relationship between artists and fans for good. It aims to offer artists a central place for their most valuable fans – a place to announce, share and excite.
2023 Cohort
- Fanblast (Germany)- Fanblast wants to help artists and brands foster mutually beneficial relationships with their most engaged audiences. Their product allows artists to create virtual phone numbers, through which they can playfully communicate at scale with their fans.
- Music Tomorrow (France)- Music Tomorrow uses AI to demystify streaming platform algorithms and helps labels and artists optimize for success, through a variety of tactics, akin to SEO.
- The Mirror (US) – The Mirror is a next-generation, all-in-one game development platform designed to empower developers and 3D creators with real-time, limitless creativity.
- soundBrilliance (US)- soundBrilliance aligns the healing power of music with clinical science to create impactful, research validated, listener-directed therapy to improve the human condition and, give people more control over their mood and bodies.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more insights into UMG Connect and sign up to receive updates on upcoming application timelines for UMG Connect 2024 here.