AirPlay Direct CEO Featured In Entrepreneur Spotlight
The LegalZoom Spotlight is a collection of premier companies and innovations selected from the thousands of entities created by our customers each month. This month’s interview is with Robert Weingartz, the CEO and a Co-Founder of AirPlay Direct.
Tell us a little about your product or service.
AirPlay Direct is a new, revolutionary, efficient and cost effective way for artists and record labels to securely deliver their music to radio industry professionals across the world…one song at a time or their whole catalog. Our easy to use digital file transfer system was developed to streamline radio promotion activities for today’s music industry. Using the power of the Internet, AirPlay Direct delivers broadcast quality music tracks, together with related promotional materials, directly to radio stations globally - quickly, securely, and inexpensively.
How did you start your company?
AirPlay Direct was founded in the spring of 2005 by Robert Weingartz and R.W. Shamy, Jr. Why… I own an indie record label and was trying to find a more effective and cost efficient way to deliver music by my artists to radio programmers globally. I am also partnered in an internet radio station and our Program Director, was looking into an easier way of receiving music more efficiently and hassle free. AirPlay Direct was created to make the entire radio promotion process more efficient and cost effective for all involved.
AirPlay Direct is a new, revolutionary, efficient and cost effective way for artists and record labels to securely deliver their music to radio industry professionals across the world…one song at a time or their whole catalog…
What or who inspired you to go into business for yourself?
I was inspired by the independent artists of the world and my desire to apply technology in way that would help them gain a more competitive position in the marketplace.
What were some of the startup hurdles you overcame?
We started with an idea and very little capitol. We were fortunate to receive some start up funds from an Angel Investor. Getting our first round of funding was difficult, but allowed us to move forward rapidly with the development of the company. There were many technology hurdles along the way and it took longer than expected to complete our web based digital delivery system. Finding the right technology development firm was extremely difficult. Forming an LLC and filing all of the necessary paperwork is always a tedious process; however, LegalZoom was fast, efficient and very cost effective. All of these elements were extremely beneficial to us in the fast paced world of technology start ups.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your company and/or product or service?
The industry response and support for AirPlay Direct has been absolutely overwhelming. AirPlay Direct is currently in the process of partnering with several key, high profile entertainment companies that will be offering a host of support and new services to our members in the coming months. I am often asked the question “This seems too good to be true, what’s the catch?” Honestly, the catch is, there is no catch! Thanks to the power of the internet and advances in technology we are now able to make available to the independents an affordable digital delivery solution previously reserved for only the major labels.
Description
AirPlay Direct is a new, revolutionary, efficient and cost effective way for artists and record labels to securely deliver their music to radio industry professionals across the world…one song at a time or their whole catalog. Our easy to use digital file transfer system was developed to streamline radio promotion activities for today’s music industry. Using the power of the Internet, AirPlay Direct delivers broadcast quality music tracks, together with related promotional materials, directly to radio stations globally - quickly, securely, and inexpensively.