Image Source: Indian Startup Times
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, where a single copyright strike can dismantle a brand’s entire marketing campaign, the need for “safe” music has never been higher.
Hoopr, an innovative music licensing startup, is stepping up to solve this multi-billion-dollar problem. The company recently hit a major milestone by securing fresh funding from The Chennai Angels as part of its ongoing Pre-Series A round.
This is not just another funding story; it’s a sign of how the creator economy is maturing and how technology is finally bringing transparency to the “Wild West” of music rights.
Hoopr Secures Pre-Series A Funding to Revolutionise Music Licensing for the Creator Economy
The digital content world is booming, but it has a massive, expensive secret: music licensing is a mess. From YouTubers losing their ad revenue to major brands facing legal lawsuits for unauthorised song use, the industry has long been plagued by “opaque” deals and copyright minefields.
Hoopr is changing that. By bridging the gap between independent artists and content creators, the Mumbai-based startup is building what it calls a “transparent and sustainable ecosystem.”
The Power of the Pivot: Why The Chennai Angels Are Betting on Hoopr
The latest investment from The Chennai Angels (TCA) follows a successful first tranche of the Pre-Series A round led by Inflexion Point Ventures (IPV). With a post-money valuation of ₹160 crore, Hoopr is no longer a “quiet” player in the music-tech space.
Srinivasan B, Investment Director at The Chennai Angels, highlighted that Hoopr’s strength lies in its founder’s roots. Gaurav Dagaonkar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus and award-winning music director, didn’t just build a platform; he built a solution to a problem he lived through. After his own music was used without consent in a brand campaign, he realised that India’s music licensing market, estimated to lose billions annually to infringement, needed a digital-first overhaul.
Scaling the “Twin-Engine” Ecosystem: Hoopr & Hoopr Smash
The fresh capital is earmarked for scaling Hoopr’s unique dual-platform model:
- Hoopr for Creators: A self-serve marketplace where over 4 lakh YouTubers and Instagram influencers (including big names like Flying Beast and Ranveer Brar) can find copyright-safe music without the fear of demonetization.
- Hoopr Smash: India’s first dedicated Bollywood and regional music licensing platform for enterprises. This vertical allows brands like Myntra, Marico, and ITC to legally clear iconic tracks for their digital ads and social media campaigns in just a few clicks.
Why This Matters for Brands and Independent Artists
For a long time, Indian brands had two choices: pay exorbitant fees for a hit song or risk using “royalty-free” tracks that felt generic and lacked soul.
Hoopr offers a middle ground. By partnering with giants like Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Universal Music Group, they provide high-quality, culturally relevant music that resonates with Indian audiences.
For the artists, the impact is even more profound. Hoopr has already disbursed over ₹4.5 crore in royalties to independent musicians. Unlike traditional deals where artists often lose their rights, Hoopr’s model ensures that creators are paid fairly every time their music helps a brand go viral.
The Future: AI and Global Expansion
Hoopr is not just stopping at being a library. The team is doubling down on AI-led innovation. Their proprietary tech includes automated copyright detection and “Brand Match” tools that help marketers find the perfect sonic identity for their campaigns.
With plans for global expansion on the horizon, Hoopr is positioning itself to be the “Epidemic Sound of India,” ensuring that Indian rhythm and melody find a legal, profitable home in the global digital landscape.
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:
- The Creator Economy is Professionalising: Licensing is no longer optional; it’s a core business risk.
- Transparency Wins: Startups that solve the “middleman” problem in intellectual property are attracting the highest level of investor interest.
- Tech Meets Talent: The most successful platforms are those that protect artists while simplifying the user experience.
For more insights into the intersection of technology and the entertainment industry, stay tuned to Business Outreach Magazine.
