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How can
founders
get involved?

Startups and scaleups come to Music Tectonics to rub shoulders with everyone in music tech, the music industry, and music innovation. Compare notes with other founders, meet labels and managers, network with investors, learn how music licensing works, hear where things are going so you can solve the right problems and build a successful company!

music Tectonics Conference

The best conference for startups with one of the most affordable tickets in the business

Each fall, the Music Tectonics Conference convenes the music innovators in Santa Monica, California. Top industry movers and shakers mingle with founders like you, all in relaxed beachside environments that promote real connection. We host more investors than any other music tech conference. Badgeholders have a chance to present their startup during our popular open mic session. Plus startups who sign up early can participate in the UMG Startup Studio on Day 3! 

 

What you get:

  • Amazing in-person networking beachside in the most impactful music tech city in the country

  • A huge network of likeminded innovators

  • Meet the industry and investors

  • The chance to pitch at the open mic

  • Plus additional opportunities below!

Investor Speed-Networking

Apply to connect with investors at Music Tectonics

This is by far the most popular event for startup founders attending the Music Tectonics conference. It’s a lightning round of introductory conversations, so you take away the most connections possible to build on later. 
We’re opening applications to founders at any stage of the startup cycle! This year, you don’t have to apply for the pitch competition for a chance to join this exclusive event. Even if you aren’t selected for one of the limited spots, your application and contact information will be shared with all participating investors! 

Applications Close: October 15

 

What you get (if selected):

  • One-on-one speed-networking with at least ten music tech investors for, in person

Open only to conference attendees!

UMG Startup StudiO

Connect with an iconic music company

Music Tectonics startup attendees are invited to join Universal Music Group's Digital Innovation team in a state-of-the-art studio space and get an insider’s perspective on what it takes to build meaningful partnerships with one of the world’s most iconic music companies.

 

All Swimming with Narwhals competition applicants will be submitted for an additional pitch opportunity with UMG. Three founders will then be invited to present and receive feedback directly from UMG leaders in an intimate studio setting. Other attending startups will also have an opportunity to hop on mic and introduce themselves and their companies to the UMG team. We’ll wrap the session with drinks, light snacks and a networking opportunity with the UMG team and fellow founders. 

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What you get:

  • Come for the access.

  • Stay for the connections.

  • Leave with a better understanding of how to partner with UMG.​​

RSVP forthcoming (only open to conference attendees!)

DEMO to the industry 

New opportunity to show off your company at the conference

This year, we’re offering a new Startup Demo package that includes giving a demo of your product to the music industry!  Newer startups will get to hop on stage for 15 minutes in a room full of labels, managers, and experts to attract the right meetings and conversations. Plus you’ll get to exhibit around the pool to expand on conversations and attract more interest.

 

What you get:

  • The chance to demo your product on stage for labels, investors, and more

  • An exhibit table in beautiful Santa Monica to attract people to your mission

  • A sun tan

event partnership

Establish your thought leadership at Music Tectonics

Want to help us co-curate a panel featuring you, partners, and prospective clients to put your company on the map even further? Our Star and Supernova Partner Packages give us the chance to program you into the fabric of the conference along with other visibility and benefits. We rely on these partnerships to fund the conference and give our biggest supporters a way to raise their brand and mission above the crowd, making a lasting impact on the MT community and the industry as a whole.

 

What you get:

  • Join a panel on a compelling topic for a great conversation with industry leaders

  • Branding online, in our newsletter, on our podcast, and onsite

  • An exhibit table in beautiful Santa Monica to attract people to your mission

  • The option to add swag, a party activation, and more to make your brand known in the industry

  • Access to the strategically-minded Rock Paper Scissors team to ensure you make the most of your business goals at Music Tectonics and beyond

We work very hard to create value at every level of involvement from free to paid, from startup to enterprise. The biggest mistake you can make is not showing up to the biggest and most fun music tech gathering of the year! 

Pitch Competition

2026 Applications are now closed

Swimming with Narwhals is our annual stage for the most innovative startups in music, media, and creative industries.  Four finalists get to pitch in front of a jury of investors and experts along with the whole conference. This year, we’ve joined forces with Yamaha Music Innovation Fund to focus on early stage startups with big ideas in all the creative industries. 

 

What applicants get:

  • Exposure to investors that grows as you succeed 

  • Recognition as a Semi-Finalist, if you are selected as the final ten

  • The chance to be on the main stage

  • The chance to earn the title of Narwhal Competition Winner 

  • The chance to become known throughout the industry through the winner press release

  • The chance to speed network with 10 investors at the conference

Online Events ALL YEAR

Start free and build your network!

Music Tectonics is known for high-energy, high-value online events. Knowledgeable guests from all corners of music, investment, and tech share best practices, while the chat is on fire with linkedin connections, email addresses, and nuggets of knowledge. Join the events that spark your interest and build your network, all for free!

 

What you get:

  • Online networking across the planet

  • Shout out your startup in the chat

  • Learn from the best

  • Become known in the community and the industry

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