DC Promo secures funding to scale platform

An East Midlands live events company is hitting new heights with six-figure investment.

DC Promo, which trades as Stampede Events, has secured £300,000 from Creative UK’s Creative Growth Finance Fund to launch Gignite, an artificial intelligence-powered platform for the live music sector.

The platform is designed to help emerging artists plan, book and manage tours more effectively, offering smart tools and real-time data to improve decision-making and sustainability.

Set to launch in August, Gignite will be trialled on a European beta tour and will also help artists navigate the complexities of post-Brexit touring.

Bosses say the investment – the first through Creative UK’s fund backed by the Growth Guarantee Scheme, in partnership with British Business Bank – will support product development, team expansion and testing.

Sarah Chantrey, co-founder at DC Promo, which she founded in 2010 with her husband Dan, a former touring rock drummer and host of rock radio shows in both the UK and US, said: “This investment from Creative UK has enabled us to complete vital research and development and expedite Gignite’s launch. 

“We set out to solve long-standing issues with technical solutions, but what has evolved is so much more – innovation that aims to disrupt an outdated business model and demonstrate that live performance touring is investable and sustainable. 

“Creative UK’s support is a testament to their vision of valuing and recognising the importance of the creative industries. 

“We are thrilled about the network of expertise this collaboration brings with it and the future innovation that will evolve. 

“We are at an exciting juncture and having Creative UK’s endorsement comes at the perfect time.” 

Nick Donaghy, investment manager at Creative UK, added: “Gignite is an exciting example of how innovation can unlock opportunity for underserved talent in the creative industries. 

“We’re proud to support a business that is not only solving real problems for musical artists, but doing so with a scalable, tech-led solution built by people who truly understand the live music industry – while also creating new jobs in creative spaces here in the UK.” 

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