Publicpressure

Public Pressure began in 2015 as a London-based online magazine and community focused on supporting emerging artists and labels. In 2022, the company evolved, launching a Web3 media platform and a carbon-neutral NFT marketplace built on the Polkadot blockchain. This strategic pivot aims to establish a more equitable, direct-to-fan economic model for creators, removing many of the distribution and production costs found in the current music industry. The platform operates as a cultural hub where artists, labels, brands, and fans can interact.

The company was founded by a team with diverse expertise across fashion, technology, and music. CEO Giulia Maresca brings experience from her time as a Fashion Director at luxury brands like Emilio Pucci and Christian Louboutin. President Sergio Mottola previously served as the Chairman and CEO of the Republic of San Marino Innovation Institute, where he was instrumental in developing the nation's blockchain strategy. The founding team also includes Chief Creative Officer Francesca Versace, a fashion designer, and Chief Brand Officer Alfredo Violante, who founded the original Public Pressure magazine and has a background as a creative consultant for major brands and as a recording artist. In December 2022, Public Pressure secured $6 million in a Series A funding round led by Scytale Digital, with participation from notable angel investors like Gavin Wood, the founder of Ethereum and Polkadot.

Public Pressure's core offering is its NFT marketplace, which facilitates the sale of digital and physical music-related items. Artists and labels can sell music NFTs, limited edition physical media, apparel, and exclusive access to events and VIP experiences. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, accepting both cryptocurrency and traditional fiat payments to lower the barrier to entry for fans. For artists, the platform provides tools for direct campaign management and analytics. A key feature is the split payment function, which automates revenue sharing among content contributors. Public Pressure generates revenue by taking a 5% commission plus 30 cents on secondary market sales of NFTs. The company has also established a London-based music division to manage its music-related activities, including intellectual property management and collaborations within the fashion and gaming industries. Strategic partnerships with brands like Diesel and Moonsama have been central to its growth, leading to successful campaigns and significant revenue from initial NFT projects.

Keywords: music NFT marketplace, Web3 music platform, direct-to-fan, digital collectibles, blockchain music, Polkadot, artist empowerment, music technology, NFT collectibles, fan engagement, crypto music, creator economy, digital assets, fashion and music, gaming and music, Scytale Digital, Sergio Mottola, Giulia Maresca, Francesca Versace, Alfredo Violante