Influence Media Raises $360M Through First Private Music Royalties Securitization

Influence Media Raises $360M Through First Private Music Royalties Securitization

By Marcus Hartley

January 30, 2025 at 05:12 AM

Influence Media Partners has secured $360 million in debt financing through its first private securitization, backed by music royalties from its portfolio. The funding attracted notable investors including Nuveen, PPM America, Aflac, Pacific Life, and accounts managed by HPS Investment Partners.

Goldman Sachs and Truist Securities led the transaction as Co-Structuring and Joint Placement Agents, with BlackRock serving as a Joint Placement Agent. Lynn Hazan, Influence Media's co-managing partner and former Sony Music GM/CFO, spearheaded the initiative.

Influence Media Partners black logo

Influence Media Partners black logo

Legal counsel for the transaction included:

  • Latham & Watkins (Securitization Counsel)
  • Schulte Roth & Zabel (Corporate Counsel)
  • Alter, Kendrick & Baron (Music Counsel)

Founded in 2019, Influence Media Partners focuses on investing in "modern evergreens" - songs and artists with long-term cultural impact potential. The company has invested in over 30 catalogs across various genres, working with partners including BlackRock and Warner Music Group. Their portfolio includes innovative deals like their first NIL agreement with Enrique Iglesias.

This financing follows the launch of SLANG, Influence's new independent frontline record label, music publishing, and distribution company. The funding will enable further portfolio expansion and new talent partnerships.

Hilary Thorndike, Managing Director at BlackRock, praised the team's financial discipline and underwriting, noting that the high-quality institutional investors involved demonstrate the strength of the platform built by Influence Media's leadership team.

Lynn Hazan emphasized that this funding validates Influence's strategic vision focusing on artist partnership and collaboration, enabling them to continue building their exceptional catalog roster and pursuing new opportunities in the music industry.

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