Tokyo-based music technology company SURF Music has raised $6.3 million USD to put toward connecting artists with major industry players such as labels, media companies, and other buyers.
The funds were raised as part of their Pre-Series A funding round that was backed by leading music entertainment companies such as South Korea's YG Plus Inc. and local Japanese companies such as Enigmo Inc., Agehasprings Holdings Inc., Rainbow Entertainment, and Hipland Music Corporation. Forging relationships with these companies helps SURF Music to hit the bullseye when it comes to driving product development and global expansion while deepening connections between music markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
What is SURF Music all about? Beyond helping artists link with industry bigwigs to assist them on growing their musical journey, SURF Music’s mission is to build a worldwide platform that not only connects but empowers. Built around the idea of “Bringing Power Back to Music Creators,” the platform lets music creators worldwide share unreleased tracks while helping labels, A&R teams, advertisers, and film/TV producers discover fresh music.
Songwriters, producers, and track makers can upload demos, while companies can quickly find tracks that fit their needs using the AI-powered Magic Search, filtering by genre, mood, or even external references. Not only can artists share their work on the platform, companies can also narrow their search for the next artist they would like to sign by uploading artist briefs to the platform as well allowing creators to submit original compositions, fostering cross-border collaborations. With SURF Music Sessions, users can co-write, share files, and communicate directly, streamlining global music production. Operating on a subscription model, 100% of marketplace revenue goes back to the creators.
Since their launch in 2023, the platform has grown exponentially hosting 41,571 creators from 195 countries and regions, with 6,600 new members joining in, a 19% year-on-year rise. Creators also increased their output, uploading 127% more songs on average compared to 2025.
CEO of SURF Music Kenneth Kobori shares more on this new chapter as he says, "We are truly honored to welcome industry-leading partners such as YG Plus, Enigmo, Agehasprings, Hipland Music, and Rainbow Entertainment in this funding round, and we have great expectations for what we can accomplish together. SURF Music aims to build a global music marketplace where creators from around the world can share their music beyond borders and generate new collaborations and business opportunities. Through these partnerships, we will further accelerate product development and global expansion, creating unprecedented opportunities for music creators. We hope you will look forward to the continued growth of SURF Music."
This highlights SURF Music’s growing global creator community and the platform’s expanding influence in the music industry. In August 2025 alone, remix initiatives built around iconic Japanese catalog songs drew worldwide participation, generating a record 508 submissions.
Throughout the year, SURF Music hosted nine remix contests and 178 music briefs, distributing roughly ¥1.98 million in prize money while helping labels revitalize their catalogs. With 175 remix tracks officially released, the platform continues to empower creators, foster collaboration, and provide artists with opportunities to develop their careers and reach audiences around the world.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-