Soundtrap

Soundtrap AB operates as a cross-platform digital audio workstation (DAW) delivered on a freemium model, enabling users to create music and podcasts online. The company was established on April 1, 2012, in Stockholm, Sweden, by Per Emanuelsson, Björn Melinder, Fredrik Posse, and Gabriel Sjöberg. The founders, who are musicians themselves, aimed to simplify the complexity of music production by creating a collaborative, web-based studio accessible to users of all skill levels. CEO and co-founder Per Emanuelsson has a deep background in both software architecture and business development, having been involved in various startups across multiple industries.

The company's core product is a cloud-based recording studio that functions directly in a web browser, supported on Mac, Windows, Chromebook, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. This platform allows for real-time collaboration, where multiple users can work on the same project from different locations. Soundtrap's business model is subscription-based; it offers a free tier with basic functionalities and several paid premium plans that provide access to an expanded library of loops, virtual instruments, and advanced features like auto-tune and unlimited storage. The company generates revenue from these subscription plans, catering to individual music makers, podcasters, and the education sector.

Significant milestones include raising $6 million in a Series A funding round in 2016 and being featured at Google I/O in 2014. In a key strategic move, Spotify acquired Soundtrap in November 2017 to bolster its creator-focused capabilities. However, in 2023, Spotify sold the company back to its original founders, allowing Soundtrap to operate independently again. The product portfolio includes specialized offerings like "Soundtrap for Music Makers" and "Soundtrap for Education," the latter of which has gained traction in schools for its collaborative and accessible interface. A version for podcasters, formerly known as "Soundtrap for Storytellers," includes features like automatic transcription and tools for remote interviews.

Keywords: digital audio workstation, DAW, online music studio, collaborative music creation, podcast production, freemium model, audio recording software, web-based DAW, music education technology, cloud-based audio, beat making, vocal tuner, real-time collaboration, subscription audio software, Per Emanuelsson, Björn Melinder, Spotify acquisition, audio editing, virtual instruments, royalty-free loops, music production for schools