#141: EXIT: The Startup Apple Music Had to Acquire: Simon M. Eder
Tue Feb 03 2026
From niche record label to Apple Music Classical Simon Eder shares the journey of building Primephonic, a specialized music tech startup acquired by Apple.
We discuss the complexities of classical music streaming, from solving metadata challenges to navigating the shift from physical CDs to digital Hi-Res audio. Simon offers a grounded perspective on startup exits, investor relations, and the reality of life after acquisition. It is a quiet reflection on what it truly takes to innovate within the music industry and why understanding master rights is essential for any modern music entrepreneur.
Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on innovation in music and technology.
Know more about Primephonic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primephonic/
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Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr
00:00 Welcome and Intro
00:53 Founder Background and Transition
02:51 Digitalizing a Classical Label
04:50 High Quality Audio Formats
08:36 Building the Primephonic Brand
14:53 Solving Classical Metadata Challenges
21:18 Streaming Payout Models Explained
28:27 In-House Tech Team Growth
32:57 Apple Music Classical Acquisition
45:56 Reflections on Entrepreneurial Life
More
From niche record label to Apple Music Classical Simon Eder shares the journey of building Primephonic, a specialized music tech startup acquired by Apple. We discuss the complexities of classical music streaming, from solving metadata challenges to navigating the shift from physical CDs to digital Hi-Res audio. Simon offers a grounded perspective on startup exits, investor relations, and the reality of life after acquisition. It is a quiet reflection on what it truly takes to innovate within the music industry and why understanding master rights is essential for any modern music entrepreneur. Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on innovation in music and technology. Know more about Primephonic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primephonic/ __________________________________________________________________________ Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on; Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:53 Founder Background and Transition 02:51 Digitalizing a Classical Label 04:50 High Quality Audio Formats 08:36 Building the Primephonic Brand 14:53 Solving Classical Metadata Challenges 21:18 Streaming Payout Models Explained 28:27 In-House Tech Team Growth 32:57 Apple Music Classical Acquisition 45:56 Reflections on Entrepreneurial Life