Modernizing the Live Music Industry with Expert Insights from Mir Hwang of GigFinesse
Introduction
Welcome back to Found, where we get the stories behind the startups. This week Darrell and Becca are joined by GigFinesse co-founder and CEO Mir Hwang. Mir talks about how his struggles to book music gigs as a teenager pushed him to launch the company that connects artists with venues for live shows. Mir also talked about how hard it was to steer the live music-focused business through the pandemic in an industry that was reticent to adopt tech to begin with.
Mir Hwang: From Struggle to Success
As a teenager, Mir Hwang was passionate about music and wanted to play gigs at local venues. However, he faced significant challenges in booking shows, which led him to realize the inefficiencies in the live music industry. This experience sparked an idea – what if there was a platform that could connect artists with venues, making it easier for both parties to find each other?
The Birth of GigFinesse
With this vision in mind, Mir co-founded GigFinesse, a company that aims to modernize the live music industry by providing a seamless booking experience for artists and venues. The platform uses AI-powered algorithms to match artists with suitable venues based on factors such as genre, location, and audience demographics.
Navigating the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for GigFinesse and the entire live music industry. Many venues were forced to close or reduce their capacity, while artists struggled to find new ways to perform and connect with audiences. Mir talks about how hard it was to adapt to these changes and ensure that the platform remained viable during this period.
The Impact of Technology on Live Music
The live music industry has traditionally been slow to adopt technology, but GigFinesse’s innovative approach has shown that there is a demand for digital solutions in this space. Mir discusses how the company’s use of AI and data analytics has improved the booking experience for both artists and venues, leading to increased efficiency and revenue.
A Fun Venue for Darrell’s Future Poetry Residence
The conversation takes an entertaining turn when Darrell shares his dream of turning a unique venue into a poetry residence. Mir agrees that this would be an ideal location for GigFinesse’s platform, highlighting the potential for artists to connect with new audiences and venues.
Conclusion
Mir Hwang’s journey from struggling teenager to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of innovation in solving real-world problems. Through GigFinesse, Mir has created a platform that is transforming the live music industry by providing a seamless booking experience for artists and venues. As the company continues to grow and adapt, it will be exciting to see how technology shapes the future of live music.
About the Guest
Mir Hwang is the co-founder and CEO of GigFinesse. With a passion for music and technology, Mir has led the development of the platform from its early days as an idea to its current status as a leading force in the live music industry.
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About Our Hosts
Rebecca Szkutak is a senior reporter at TechCrunch who covers venture capital trends and startups. Darrell Etherington is an editor at large who has covered space, science, and health tech.
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Related Topics
- Live music industry
- GigFinesse
- AI-powered algorithms
- Data analytics
- Technology in live music
