Pirate Studios

Pirate Studios, now known as Pirate.com, operates a global network of creative studios accessible to artists on a 24/7, self-service basis. The company was founded in Bristol, UK, in 2014 by David Borrie and Mikey Hammerton. Their journey began after experiencing frustration with the lack of affordable, high-quality, and conveniently available rehearsal spaces. Borrie, who had a background in banking and played drums in various bands, along with his friend Hammerton, conceptualized a new model inspired by self-service gyms. They started with a single rehearsal room in a converted police station, which they offered to local bands.

The business model hinges on technology to provide keyless, contactless access to its facilities, minimizing operational overhead and passing those savings to the customer. Artists book and pay for sessions online or via an app, and then receive access codes for the studio. This approach allows Pirate to offer competitive hourly rates, making professional-grade spaces accessible to a broader range of creators, from emerging talent to established professionals. The company generates revenue through these hourly bookings of its various studio types. Its client base includes musicians, bands, DJs, producers, podcasters, and dancers.

Pirate.com provides a diverse range of standardized, purpose-built creative spaces. These include rehearsal studios for bands, DJ rooms equipped with industry-standard Pioneer gear, recording and production suites with vocal booths, podcast studios, and dance studios. By standardizing the design and equipment, the company maintains quality and affordability across its locations. Since its inception, the company has expanded significantly, securing a $20 million investment in 2018 led by Talis Capital, which fueled its growth into Germany and the United States. As of early 2025, Pirate operates over 700 studios in numerous cities worldwide, including London, New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin.

Keywords: music rehearsal, recording studios, 24/7 access, self-service studios, creative space, DJ practice rooms, podcast studios, dance studios, artist community, music production, hourly studio rental, keyless entry, David Borrie, Mikey Hammerton, UK music tech, global studio network, affordable creative space, band practice space, music creation, contactless booking