New programme underlines London's music tech hub status

Leading music industry groups have partnered to launch Grow Music, a scale-up and growth programme for new technologies, innovations and ideas to support the music industry.

The BPI, the trade association for the UK’s record companies and labels and the voice of British recorded music, has worked with business growth agency, London & Partners, to deliver the innovation programme.

Programme partners include Anthony David King, AbbeyRoad Red, Angel Investing School, UKBlack Tech, and Measure of Music. Grow Music was the successful bid by the BPI for the London & Partners’ Request for Quote to design a 12-week business support programme for music tech companies. Grow Music will receive just under £200,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver its three interlinked programmes. 

The first complementary strand is a 12-week business support programme for 25 London-based SMEs who have a product, service or idea that could scale and add value to the music industry. Designed by Anthony David King and supported by Abbey Road Red in scouting, diligence and mentorship, the programme is designed to grow and test businesses and ideas, providing unparalleled access to the UK recorded and live music industry.

In its second stream, Grow Music will deliver a bespoke five-week Angel Investing School to develop and educate high-net-worth individuals from underrepresented backgrounds on the opportunities of investing at the intersection of music and technology.

This free-to-attend online programme will teach participants about angel investing, and its role in the wider music and technology ecosystem. Modules will include how to find great entrepreneurs, conducting due diligence and investing economies. The school will be run by Angel Investing School creator, Andy Ayim MBE, who has trained over 600 new angel investors across over 30 countries including the US, Singapore, Nigeria and Moldova and supported by Abbey Road Red in mentorship.

The BPI and partners will also launch a brand new, white-labelled Investor Hub, granting early-stage companies access to both the music industry and investors who are expressly interested in the sector.

Applications for the 25 SME places on the 12-week business support programme are open and the final selection will be announced by 09 September 2024. The programme will officially launch at Abbey Road Studios on 14 and 15 September 2024.

The Angel Investing School will run simultaneously from September to November 2024, and people can register interest in taking part by emailing the BPI Innovation Manager Amalie Briden (Amalie.briden@bpi.co.uk).

The Angel Investing School graduates, and the 25 SMEs will all take part in a Closing Ceremony at Abbey Road Studios in January 2025. Entrants must be London-based, with a minimum of two employees and a turnover or investment of over £50k. All entrants must have actionable plans for growth and an active interest in the music industry.

Read full application details.

‍