Photo Credit: FanCircles
FanCircles, a self-described “pioneering SaaS superfan platform,” has announced a $2 million raise and set its sights on adding new features.
The UK-based superfan business just recently announced that multimillion-dollar round, the result of capital put up by “several angel investors.”
Established nearly a decade back by Affiliate Window founder and industry vet Kevin Brown, FanCircles enables artists to stream performances as well as studio releases, communicate with fans (including via push notifications), interact with UGC, offer early access tickets, and sell merch in-app, to name some features.
On the ticket and merch fronts, FanCircles according to its website supports Ticketmaster and Shopify integration. (Artist users can seemingly opt to sell merch directly via their app/site as well.) Additionally, the platform allows clients to choose from free and subscription options.
Running with those points, contrasting superfan competitors like Hybe’s Weverse and presumably Warner Music’s forthcoming app for diehard supporters, FanCircles doesn’t operate a centralized service. Rather, the company says it affords artists the “opportunity to have their own fully branded platforms.”
To date, a variety of professionals, from veteran acts like Marillion and Robbie Williams to newer talent such as Olivia Lane and The Piano Guys, have rolled out standalone superfan platforms via FanCircles, the latter’s website shows.
And per the mentioned Kevin Brown, who doubles as CEO, the model sets FanCircles apart from well-known competitors.
“Major companies like Apple Connect and Facebook for Artists have faced difficulties with multi-artist models,” communicated the Access founder Brown. “This suggests that individual, artist-branded platforms are more effective in resonating with fans and supporting artists’ careers.
“This investment is a testament to the incredible demand for more authentic and direct artist-fan relationships,” he proceeded. “FanCircles is more than just a platform—it’s firmly putting artists front and center with its unique model of one app per artist.”
Looking to the future, FanCircles intends to use the newly raised capital to continue developing its core product, with an eye on optimized features including bolstered data analytics, e-commerce tools, and content delivery. Also on the horizon are buildout efforts targeting Europe, Asia, and North America alike.
Bigger picture, against the backdrop of possibly slowing streaming growth, superfan offerings are drawing more attention – and funding – than ever. Besides Warner Music’s previously noted superfan app, which is expected to release later in 2024, Universal Music is leaning into related initiatives with Hybe’s Weverse as well as Spotify.
Closing on the funding side, the past year or so has now delivered a number of superfan-platform raises, all compiled in DMN Pro’s Music Industry Funding Tracker. The likes of Fave, We Are Giant, Renaissance, Tune.fm, and Trax have pulled down a cumulative total of approximately $35 million in investor capital.
