Funding A Label: Self-Funding vs. Grants vs. Investors
If you are starting, expanding or funding a label this is for you. From DIY to securing grants or attracting investors, here’s the ultimate guide to help you find the best path to bring your vision to life.
Funding A Label: Self-Funding vs. Grants vs. Investors
by Randi Zimmerman from the Symphonic Blog
Running a label ain’t cheap… and whether you’re just getting started or looking to go bigger, funding is a major piece of the puzzle. From bootstrapping your way to the top to landing grant money or pitching to investors, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! Knowledge is power, as they say. Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to help you figure out what’s best for you…
Self-Funding (aka Bootstrapping)
Let’s start with the most common way people get started: self-funding, also known as bootstrapping. This just means you’re using your own money to fund your label, whether that’s from savings, side hustles, day jobs, or revenue from music you’ve already released. It might take more time to build some momentum, but it gives you full control over how you run things. There are no investors to answer to, no grant requirements to follow, and you don’t have to give up a percentage of your label to anyone else.
Every decision is yours, and that is a beautiful thing in itself.
That said, doing everything yourself can get expensive. And if things don’t go as planned, the financial risk falls entirely on you. You also have to take into consideration that it may take you longer to reach your goals because of this, too. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely something to consider.
From a business perspective, self-funding means you’ll need to stay on top of several key areas to keep things running smoothly. Make sure to consider things like:
- Budgeting & Cash Flow: You’ll need to know exactly where your money is going.
- Fixed vs. Variable Costs: Fixed costs could include distribution fees and marketing, while variable costs might cover things like paying collaborators or pressing vinyl.
As you reinvest your revenue, you should also think about:
- Funding your next release or saving for bigger campaigns.
- Using income to boost merch sales and generate more revenue.
- Keeping detailed records and setting aside money for taxes.
The more organized your finances are, the more flexibility you’ll have to scale and grow your label over time. 🌱
Grants
Grants are a great option for funding your label, especially if you’re looking for financial support without taking on any debt. These are typically offered by music foundations, local government programs, and some corporate sponsors that are invested in supporting the arts. The best part is you don’t have to pay the money back, as long as you meet the requirements for the grant.
Just like most things in life that sound too good to be true, there is a slight catch. The process for this isn’t always easy. Applying for grants usually involves a pretty competitive application process, and there can be some strict eligibility criteria. Typically, you’ll need to show a clear plan for how the money will be used, and your project will need to align with the goals of the funding organization.
Some great options to check out include: BMI Foundation, True Music Fund x She Said So, AmplifyWorld Artist Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, and so many more you can find with a quick Google search. (Can’t do all the work for ya now 😉.)
Don’t let the application process scare you. Grants could be the boost you need to push your label to the next level, and without any strings attached, it’s absolutely worth the effort to try.
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Investor Capital
When we talk about investor capital, think of it as someone who’s willing to put money into your label in exchange for something in return, usually a share of ownership or equity in your label. Investors can range from angel investors (individuals who are investing their own personal funds) to venture capitalists (who usually manage larger funds).
- Investor capital gives your label the financial boost it needs to grow quickly, whether that’s through signing artists, expanding your catalog, or investing in great quality marketing.
- In addition, investors can bring you valuable industry connections, helping you secure better deals and gain more exposure.
If you’re thinking about going this route, you’ll need a solid pitch deck to present your label’s story, vision, and financial outlook. This is where you’d outline your label’s mission, market opportunity, revenue model, and how you plan to use the funds. Think of it like a visual roadmap to help investors see your potential and decide if it’s a good fit for them.
On the other hand, taking on investors also means giving up some ownership of your label, and with that, you may have to share some decision-making power…
- There’s typically more pressure to deliver returns quicker, which could shift focus toward short-term goals like maximizing streams, rather than long-term artist development.
- You would also need to manage investor expectations and keep them updated on your progress.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a quick financial boost to scale fast, access industry connections, and expand your reach, this could be a great option for you. However, if keeping full control over your label is a huge factor for you, you may want to explore some other options.
“What do investors look for anyway?”
Great question! When investors are considering putting their money into a music label, they’re not just looking for great music. They’re looking for a good business opportunity. Typically, they’ll look for things like:
- A Clear Business Model: Investors want to see a clear path to profitability. They’ll want to know how your label generates revenue, whether that’s through album sales, streaming, live events, or merchandise, and how you plan to scale that model.
- Strong Management Team: Investors are more likely to back a team that has experience and expertise in both music and business. Having a well-rounded team with a clear vision can inspire confidence that your label can navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
- Potential for Growth: Investors want to see that your label has the potential to grow. This could be through signing high-potential artists, expanding into new markets, or tapping into emerging music trends.
- Market Demand: Investors also look at the market demand for the type of music your label is promoting. Is there a clear fan base? Are you tapping into trends that are gaining traction? This helps them gauge whether there’s room for your label to thrive.
- Track Record or Proof of Concept: If your label is still new, investors will want to see any early signs of success. Whether it’s initial artist signings, growing fan engagement, or positive industry buzz, proof that your label is gaining traction will make it easier for you to secure funding.
- Risk Management: Like any business, the music industry has tons of risks. Investors will look at how you plan to manage those risks.
✨ PRO TIP✨: Investors want to back labels that are just as serious about the business side as they are about the music. If you want to catch their eye, you gotta show them how you’re going to turn their investment into a win.
In Conclusion…
Whether you keep full control of your label or bring in some outside investors really depends on what you’re looking to achieve. Are you looking to scale quickly, expand your catalog, and gain access to bigger industry connections? Then, investor capital might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re all about keeping things in your own hands and building at your own pace, staying independent may be the better route for you.
Only you know what’s important to you and the direction you want your label to go. We hope this article has shed some light on the world of label funding, so you can move forward with the right tools (and confidence) to bring your vision to life.
Good luck!
