Yamaha has launched a $50 million venture capital fund to invest in early-stage music and media startups. The Yamaha Music Innovations Fund (YMIF), first introduced last year, will begin deploying capital this month, focusing on companies based in Silicon Valley.
The initiative is part of Yamaha’s strategy to strengthen its role as a leader in sound and music innovation. According to Yamaha Music Innovations President and CEO Yusuke “Scott” Sugino, the company has already partnered with six startups since opening its Silicon Valley office in April 2024.
Andrew Kahn, a former Live Nation executive and longtime figure in music innovation, will lead the fund. He aims to support startups working on creative tools, AI applications, interactive media, learning platforms, and collaboration models for creators.
Kahn previously spent six years as a partner at Crush Ventures. He said YMIF will focus on the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology. Sugino added that the fund combines investment with collaboration to support startups and expand Yamaha’s contributions to the music industry.
