Muzooka, a Silicon-Valley startup that was founded in Calgary, has raised $3 million in a series A round of funding.
The startup calls itself a social music platform that connects artists, listeners and producers in harmony. Listeners get to discover new music before it hits the mainstream, vote on their favourite tracks to promote artists and “join the greatest social music experience.” Meanwhile, artists keep 100 percent revenue from their music sales. Artists’ songs are ranked among others in the system by Muzooka members who vote. Higher ranked songs and artists “gain attention from the panel of top industry pros.”
“For the first time, Muzooka provides a stage for the world’s top producers, executives, and A&R reps, and anyone who loves good music to find the hottest unsigned and undiscovered musical artists.”
Combined with earlier angel investment, the startup has now raised just over $3.6 million.
CEO and cofounder Shawn Wilson fired a few shots at competing startups in a release: “The music industry is reactive – embracing technologies’ promising return to artists and labels via subscription models and advertising royalties which are marginal. New music startups continue to pursue these models that do no real service to the music industry as a whole, and compensates next to nothing to the talented music creators and collaborators in the industry.”
“We are taking a considerate and methodical approach that will connect all music lovers of all talents together, and formally create a solution not just for everyone involved but a new foundation for the music industry to stand on,” added the CEO.
Muzooka said it will use the cash to expand staff, focusing on data exploration, and mobile and product development.
In recent months, Muzooka redeveloped its products and recruited several high profile music industry professionals with various backgrounds. Over 20 experienced industry members are now involved with Muzooka, one of which is Ron Sakamoto, concert promoter and owner of Gold & Gold Productions Ltd.