Where experience meets innovation

In the fast-paced world of music technology, having seasoned experts to guide you isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential.

Welcome to Music Foundry, where experience meets innovation. We offer hands-on strategic advice and support focused 100% on the domain of music and technology.

Music Foundry isn’t a typical consultancy. We blend deep industry knowledge with diversity of talent to deliver candid, actionable advice that will drive your business forward.

Experience the difference with Music Foundry, where your success is our mission.

Our Services

Licensing & Business Affairs

Every Music Technology proposition implicates music rights in one way or another. We expertly navigate this complex landscape to deliver your music projects on the best terms available.

Whether you need music licences for a new product or assistance with a catalogue acquisition, our specialists can  help. Our comprehensive expertise spans all aspects of music industry business affairs and is delivered with a firm grasp of the technology, catalogue management and reporting requirements that underpin every deal.

Strategy & Growth

Unlock your business potential with strategic consulting for product innovation and sustainable growth.

At Music Foundry, we specialise in scaling your business, growing your revenues, and forging the right commercial alliances. Our business development services are designed to optimise your current model and processes whilst charting a route to sustainable growth. Using our network, we’ll introduce you to  well-matched strategic partners and help define and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy tailored to your needs. Let us help you achieve your business goals and drive long-term success.

Technology

Stay at the forefront of innovation with our expert guidance on integrating emerging technologies into your products and strategies.

At Music Foundry, our core focus is the intersection of music and technology. We ensure your business leverages the right emerging technologies at the right time. Our expertise lies in navigating the complexities of buy-or-build decisions and establishing a robust innovation strategy tailored to your needs. Let us help you drive technological advancement to maintain a competitive edge.

Business Modelling

Drive Decisions with Data: Tailored Financial Models for Informed Planning and Optimisation

Success begins with making the right decisions based on accurate business data. Whether you need to build a comprehensive business model, analyse product margins, create a sales pipeline strategy, or conduct a detailed ROI analysis, our team is here to support you. We provide tailored financial models and expert insights to help you make informed decisions that drive your success.

 

Meet our team

Tom Grayson

Partner

Tom is a lawyer who focuses on entertainment content and technology with a particular expertise in music. With over 25 years leading complex transactions in the media sector, he has unique insight into the commercial, legal and technological drivers shaping the future of the industry.

Tom was founder of Music Tech London a venture forum for innovation in music. Previously he co-founded the start-up Moondog Books, a digital book platform for kids. He consults to media & technology clients looking to grow their business through innovation. His clients include music content owners, DSPs, technology platforms, live event promoters and investors in music rights.

Tom forged his career at a London city law firm which specialised in media. He handled transactions in publishing, music and film, as well as advising start-ups – working with entrepreneurs and investors in web 1.0. As Senior Executive in Accenture Digital Services Tom was commercial lead of its Digiplug subsidiary and was part of the senior executive team that transformed the division, extending its reach from music by incorporating distribution and digital rights management of other entertainment content, including TV, film and books.

Prior to Accenture, Tom was Senior Vice President, Business Affairs & Business Development at Universal Music Group International in London. During a period of rapid transformation for the global music industry, Tom was a part of the core team that navigated the transition from a physical to a digital business and oversaw diversification into artist management, merchandising, live events and brand endorsement. Major transactions included the €1.63bn acquisition of BMG Music Publishing, which led Universal to become the world’s largest music content company, the public offer for FTSE-listed Sanctuary Group Plc., a leading music and artist management company; the disposal of Universal’s stakes in MTV Asia and MTV India to Viacom; and numerous acquisitions, joint ventures and commercial arrangements across every major European country as well as key territories in Asia.

Rick Gleave

Partner

Rick is a digital and commercial executive with a wealth of experience in the music, media, and mobile industries. As the Senior Vice President at Tuned Global, Rick successfully launched the company’s UK division, building its revenues and brand presence across EMEA and MENA regions. His leadership was instrumental in recruiting a top-tier UK team to drive the business forward, establishing Tuned Global as a formidable player in the music tech industry.

Prior to his tenure at Tuned Global, Rick served as the Senior Vice President and Head of International at PlayNetwork. His most notable achievement was spearheading the international launch of Apple Music for Business, a leading B2B music service. Under his guidance, the service delivered market-leading music curation, cutting-edge technology, and innovative marketing engagement programs to brands globally. Rick’s unique ability to blend strategic vision with operational execution ensured the successful rollout and adoption of this groundbreaking service.

Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit is further evidenced by his role as a founding director of Pandora Internet Radio in Australia. He led the development of this subscription business from start up to market leader, demonstrating his knack for scaling businesses, brokering meaningful partnerships and driving market penetration.

Additionally, Rick broke new ground as the first mobile director for both News Corp Australia and Mirror Group Newspapers UK, where he launched pioneering mobile platforms that laid the foundations for a mobile-first publishing business across hundreds of newspapers.

Beyond his executive roles, Rick is a board member of Music Tech UK, where he contributes his industry insights and expertise. Known for his ability to create and deliver emerging platform opportunities, Rick combines passionate advocacy with analytical rigor to lead major commercial strategies and leverage emerging technologies. With a deep understanding in music licensing laws and a track record of successful international business development across EMEIA, APAC, and ANZ markets, Rick continues to forge meaningful strategic partnerships that drive profitable business revenues and industry innovation.

Jon Hilbrants

Partner

Jon is a seasoned music industry executive and commercial business developer with over a decade of experience at the intersection of music and technology. As the founder of MusicMonks, Jon leveraged his extensive background to guide companies through the complexities of the music industry, offering strategic consultancy on licensing, business development, and market expansion.

Jon’s journey in the music sector is marked by significant achievements, including his role as JUKE’s Founder and Managing Director. Under his leadership, JUKE, initially powered by the Media-Saturn Group and later Talpa Network, emerged as a pioneering music streaming platform that ingeniously combined linear radio with on-demand streaming. Jon’s strategic vision and robust management skills were pivotal in launching the service successfully and establishing offices in the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. His efforts culminated in the successful sale of the company to Talpa Network.

Following his success at JUKE, Jon took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at 7digital Group PLC, then a British publicly listed company. There, he was instrumental in restructuring the commercial strategies and securing significant deals with various high-profile clients in the social media, FitTech, and music streaming sectors, which played a crucial role in the company’s acquisition by Songtradr.

After his tenure at 7digital, Jon joined ACX Music as their CCO, where he developed the commercial strategy, enhanced business maturity, and explored new revenue opportunities while driving capital growth. His leadership saw the company double its staffing and expand its geographical footprint with new offices in Barcelona and Oslo, alongside launching a software development branch focused on music and entertainment products.

Most recently, Jon has advised firms at the nexus of tech and music, focusing on strategic expansions, music licensing, and product development. His extensive network across Europe, the UK, and the US aids his consultancy in driving growth and internationalisation for his clients. Jon’s unique approach often involves participating as a co-founder and shareholder in ventures he supports, spanning entertainment and e-commerce sectors, demonstrating his commitment and belief in their potential success.

 

Music Foundry team in action at several events

Music Foundry, where experience meets innovation

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