URGENT UPDATE: Ryan Edwards, the dynamic founder of music tech startup Audoo, has revealed his incredible journey of career pivots—from drummer to corporate executive to entrepreneur. This transformation highlights not only resilience but also a commitment to innovation in the music industry.
In an exclusive interview, Edwards, based in London, shared that his career has taken him through roles in music, retail, and fintech, with a notable tenure at Visa Europe. He founded Audoo in August 2018, a company aimed at revolutionizing how musicians receive royalties, backed by high-profile investors like Elton John and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Edwards emphasized the importance of resetting career goals every few years. “While my job titles have changed, one thing hasn’t: a belief in getting my head down and doing the hard work,” he stated. His journey reflects a growing trend among professionals who are reimagining their careers in today’s rapidly changing job landscape.
Edwards began his career as a drummer in a band that made waves in the UK’s Top 10 Independent Singles Chart, but after realizing the fleeting nature of music success, he transitioned to retail. He spent four years climbing the ranks as an assistant store manager, gaining invaluable experience that would later inform his entrepreneurial pursuits.
In 2016, he took a leap into the corporate world as a senior manager at Visa, where he thrived despite initial concerns about the corporate environment. “I learned to always be open to exploring new opportunities,” he said, a mindset that ultimately led to the inception of Audoo.
The idea for Audoo came to him unexpectedly while shopping in London. After hearing one of his songs play in a department store, he realized the complexities and frustrations artists face in the royalty system. “The royalties process was a mess,” he reflected. This sparked his determination to create a solution that ensures fair payment for artists.
Audoo’s technology, using a plug-in device to track music played in public venues, has garnered significant attention and investment. Edwards shared that the recognition from industry leaders has validated his vision. “Audoo is a solution I believe will change the music industry forever,” said Ulvaeus, solidifying the startup’s impact.
As Audoo continues to evolve, Edwards remains committed to personal growth and adaptability. He regularly resets his career goals, believing that continuous learning is vital. “For me, it’s about being adaptable to change,” he explained.
WHAT’S NEXT: With a robust team and a mission to transform the music industry, Edwards is poised for future challenges. As he builds on his success with Audoo, the music tech landscape is watching closely for what this innovative entrepreneur will do next.
Ryan Edwards’ journey exemplifies the power of adaptability and vision in shaping a successful career. His story serves as an inspiration for those contemplating career changes and highlights the importance of resilience in achieving professional goals.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Edwards’ commitment to fair compensation for artists resonates profoundly. For more insights on innovative career paths and industry impacts, stay tuned for updates.
