Influence Media Partners Raises $360M Through First-Ever Private Music Royalty Securitization
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 major 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.
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The legal team included Latham & Watkins (Securitization Counsel), Schulte Roth & Zabel (Corporate Counsel), and Alter, Kendrick & Baron (Music Counsel).
Founded in 2019, Influence Media 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, partnering with funds managed by 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 Influence Media to expand its portfolio and pursue new partnership opportunities in the music industry.
Hilary Thorndike, Managing Director at BlackRock, praised the team's financial discipline and underwriting, noting that the high-quality roster of institutional investors demonstrates the strength of the platform built by Lylette, Lynn, and Rene.
According to Lynn Hazan, this funding validates Influence's strategic vision focused on artist partnership and collaboration, enabling them to continue building their exceptional catalog roster and artist partnerships.