SoundCloud platform

SoundCloud is a major online audio distribution platform and music sharing website based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2007 by Swedish entrepreneurs Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss, the service allows users to upload, promote, and share audio, as well as a digital rights management system that allows content creators to monetize their work.

Over the years, the company has transitioned from a niche creator tool into a global destination for music discovery. While the platform remains headquartered in Germany, it operates globally and has received significant investments from various venture capital firms and media groups. As of 2024 and heading into 2025, the majority ownership is held by a consortium of investment firms, including Raine Group and Temasek Holdings, which stepped in to stabilize and grow the brand's commercial infrastructure.