Member Article

Newcastle’s Playlists.net acquired by Warner Music Group

Newcastle based startup Playlists.net, which collects playlists created for service Spotify, has been acquired by Warner Music Group’s WEA.

The company launched in 2009 under the name ShareMyPlaylists although rebranded to Playlists.net in 2013.

Since it began it has aggregated more than 150,000 playlists, while its website and apps were attracting more than 1.1 million users a month by the start of 2014.

The figure paid by WEA is undisclosed although it is confirmed that the company will remain an autonomous operation under founder and chief executive Kieron Donoghue.

Kieron Donoghue said: “We were approached by WEA earlier in the year to discuss ways in which we could collaborate and it became apparent that there was much to be gained by us joining forces.

“What’s really exciting is that WEA have committed to support Playlists.net as an independent platform, invest in its future and grow the team to take advantage of new opportunities in the streaming ecosystem.”

WEA’s senior vice president, Larry Mattera, said: “Kieron’s success is due to the fact that he is a huge music fan, and has a uniquely creative take on how to engage other music fans.

“This investment will enable Kieron to expand on his existing formula for success, as well as work to create new music experiences.”