Kobalt is an independent music services and rights management company that provides publishing administration, royalty collection, and creative services to songwriters, artists, and publishers globally. Founded in 2000 by Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt built a technology-driven platform to track and collect royalties across digital and traditional channels for a roster including Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, and Max Martin. It is one of the largest independent music publishers in the world, operating Kobalt Music Publishing and the AMRA digital collection society. Kobalt was acquired by Francisco Partners in 2022 and, in March 2026, Primary Wave Music announced a definitive agreement to acquire Kobalt from Francisco Partners in a transaction valued at approximately $7 billion (combined company), with closing expected in Q3 2026.
Company data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.
Founded
2000
Employees
501–1,000
Total Funding
$375M
4 rounds
Latest Valuation
$0.78B
2019
Total raised $375M across 4 rounds
Funding data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.
Last updated 06-25-2026
Latest Round
Type
Series D
Date
May 8, 2017
Amount
$75M
Valuation
$0.78B
Lead Investors
| Date | Round | Amount Raised | Valuation | Lead Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Series E | $100M | — | Morgan Stanley Tactical Value |
| May 8, 2017 | Series D | $75M | $0.78B | Hearst Entertainment |
| February 2015 | Series C extension | $60M | — | GV |
Laurent Hubert
Chief Executive Officer
Willard Ahdritz
Founder & Chairman
Competitor list is illustrative and may be incomplete, stale, or erroneous.
BMG Rights Management
Berlin-based independent music publisher and recorded music company; one of the world's largest independent music rights managers.
Concord
Independent music company spanning publishing, recorded music, and theatrical rights, with a large administration business.
Downtown Music Holdings
Independent music services and publishing company offering rights administration via Songtrust and CD Baby distribution.
Reservoir Media
Independent music publisher and recorded music company listed on NASDAQ.
Primary Wave Music
Independent music publisher and IP investor focused on iconic catalogs (Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston); announced acquirer of Kobalt in 2026.
Sony Music Publishing
Music publishing arm of Sony Music Entertainment; one of the three major music publishers globally.
No. Kobalt is a private company and does not have a public stock ticker or trade on a public stock exchange. Its shares are generally held by founders, employees, investors, and other private shareholders. Buyers and sellers may be able to transact in Kobalt shares through private secondary transactions, but any transaction depends on share availability, buyer and seller agreement, transfer restrictions, company approval rights, and any applicable right of first refusal. There is no guarantee that Kobalt will complete an IPO or other liquidity event.
Yes, it is sometimes possible to buy Kobalt shares pre-IPO through private secondary transactions. This depends on finding a willing seller, company approval, and satisfying any transfer restrictions or rights of first refusal.
Buyers interested in buying Kobalt shares on the secondary market typically do so through SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, subject to eligibility requirements, share availability, transfer restrictions, and issuer approval. Buyers may need to satisfy sophistication, accreditation, institutional, platform, regulatory, or other eligibility requirements before participating. Once eligible, buyers may be able to view listings, make bids, and work with a licensed broker through the transaction process. Buyers should ensure they have appropriate legal and financial advisors guiding them before completing any transaction.
The company's latest round valuation was approximately $775M as of 2019. The latest round valuation is often used as one reference point in secondary-market pricing, but secondary prices may be above or below that valuation at any given time. Secondary pricing can shift significantly based on post-round conditions, such as changes in company performance, supply-demand dynamics, share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, or broader market shifts. Any implied valuation from a past round should be confirmed with a broker or through live market listings before relying on it.
Kobalt was most recently valued at approximately $775M as of 2019. This is a private valuation and may differ from secondary pricing. Secondary shares may trade above or below this mark based on various factors. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy of these valuations. Buyers and sellers should always confirm current valuations before completing any transaction.
SetterVC currently shows one valuation mark for Kobalt based on funding rounds, tender offers, secondary-market indications, and other reported or collected valuation marks. Kobalt's valuation was approximately $775M as of May 8, 2017. Secondary-market prices may differ from this valuation based on share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, supply and demand, company performance, and broader market conditions. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy or completeness of valuation data, and buyers and sellers should confirm current information before relying on it.
Kobalt's latest disclosed funding round was a Series E round in 2019. The round raised approximately $100M, with Morgan Stanley Tactical Value listed as disclosed lead or major investors. Primary funding rounds are different from secondary transactions: in a primary round, capital goes to the company, while in a secondary transaction, investors buy existing shares from current shareholders. Funding-round data reflects publicly reported or collected information and may be incomplete.
Kobalt has raised approximately $375M in disclosed funding across 4 rounds. These figures reflect primary capital raised by the company and do not include every possible secondary transaction, undisclosed round, debt facility, or private transfer. Reported funding totals can change as new rounds are announced or older round details are corrected. Eligible users can use SetterVC to track Kobalt's funding history alongside private-market activity where available.
Kobalt's disclosed investors include JPMorgan Chase, HPS Investment Partners, JPMorgan Chase & Co and HPS Investment Partners. Investor lists are based on public reporting, company announcements, and collected funding-round data, and may be incomplete. Participation in a prior funding round does not mean those investors are currently buying or selling shares. On SetterVC, eligible users can review Kobalt's funding history, valuation history, and private-market activity alongside other venture-backed companies.
Kobalt's most-cited competitors include BMG Rights Management, Concord, Downtown Music Holdings, Reservoir Media, Primary Wave Music and Sony Music Publishing. Investors often compare these companies by sector, product focus, valuation, funding raised, growth signals, investor base, and private-market activity.
Secondary-market demand for Kobalt shares can be affected by company performance, revenue growth, profitability, funding history, valuation, investor interest, sector momentum, public-market conditions, expected timing of a liquidity event, and the availability of shares for sale. Demand can also be affected by transfer restrictions, company approval rights, right of first refusal processes, limited information, and the price expectations of buyers and sellers. Strong demand does not guarantee strong pricing, liquidity, or investment returns. Weak demand does not necessarily reflect the company's long-term prospects. Demand signals should not be treated as a recommendation or prediction of investment performance. Buyers and sellers should treat demand signals as informational and conduct their own diligence before transacting.
Sellers often rely on intermediaries and platforms, such as SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, to identify potential buyers. The exact process varies by company and transaction, but sellers often begin by confirming their ownership, desired price, transferability, and any company approval or notice requirements. If the seller agrees with a buyer on acceptable price and terms, the company may need to be notified through a share transfer notice or similar process. If a right of first refusal, company approval right, or other transfer restriction applies, the seller may need to wait until that process is completed. The parties may then execute a purchase and sale agreement, complete required transfer documentation, and close if all required conditions are satisfied. Sellers should always seek proper legal and financial advice before completing the transaction.
Yes, current and former Kobalt employees, early investors, and other existing shareholders may be able to sell vested shares before an IPO through a private secondary sale. This is not automatic; it depends on whether the shareholder has transferable shares, whether there is buyer demand, and whether the company's governing documents permit the transfer. Many companies require prior notice, company approval, or a right of first refusal before shares can be sold. Sellers should also seek proper legal and financial advice before proceeding.
A Kobalt secondary transaction usually involves an existing shareholder selling shares to a buyer before a public listing. The buyer and seller typically agree on price, number of shares, share class, and closing conditions. The seller may then need to notify Kobalt through a share transfer notice or similar process. If Kobalt or existing investors have approval rights, transfer restrictions, or a right of first refusal, those steps may need to be completed before the transfer can close. The parties typically enter into a purchase and sale agreement, complete any required transfer documentation, and close only if the necessary conditions are satisfied. Timing and certainty can vary by company and transaction.
In most private secondary transactions, parties commonly use a purchase and sale agreement that outlines price, terms, and conditions. They may also use share transfer documentation, often a stock transfer notice, share transfer notice, transfer instruction, or similar document, along with any required company approval or right of first refusal materials. Proof of ownership, such as a cap table entry, share certificate, brokerage statement, issuer confirmation, or administrator confirmation, may also be important. Buyers often request recent company financials, but private companies may limit disclosure. Since every deal varies, buyers and sellers should consult legal and financial advisors to understand which documents are needed.
Buying Kobalt shares pre-IPO is risky. Shares are illiquid, no IPO or liquidity event is guaranteed, valuations can change, transfers may require company approval, and private companies may provide limited financial disclosure. Be prepared for total loss. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, verify information, and seek independent legal and investment advice before proceeding.
Private secondary shares are typically illiquid. Unlike public stocks, there is no active public market, so selling them can be difficult and time-consuming. Sales depend on finding a willing buyer and often require company approval. Investors should be prepared to hold the shares for an extended period, with no guarantee of a future sale. Always assess your need for liquidity before investing.
SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, including verifying ownership, transferability, legal structure, company approval, and assessing the company's prospects. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide advice on whether an investment is good, what price to pay, or what the best bid or ask is. SetterVC and Setter Capital may share documents in some circumstances, but it does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.
Before buying Kobalt shares, a buyer should try to review the share class, price per share, implied valuation, transfer restrictions, ROFR process, company approval rights, seller ownership evidence, recent financing or tender-offer information, available financial information, information rights, resale restrictions, tax considerations, and expected liquidity paths. Not all information may be available for a private company. Buyers should confirm available diligence, process details, and information needs with their own legal, tax, and investment advisers.
SPVs carry risks. Examples include the need to confirm the company allows SPV-based transfers, verify that the SPV truly owns the shares or interests it claims to own, and ensure it has not sold more interests than it holds. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.
Forward contracts carry risks. Examples include the seller refusing to transfer the shares at the future date, even if the seller owns them, the seller going bankrupt with creditors claiming the shares, or the seller committing the same shares to multiple parties. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.
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