Pink Floyd Drummer Invests in Creator Economy Platform Disciple Media

The Expanding Creator Economy and the Quest for Audience Ownership

Significant attention has recently focused on the growth of the “creator economy” over the past year. Driven by the impacts of the pandemic, a large number of individuals turned to online platforms seeking income opportunities or avenues for self-promotion. The podcasting landscape has experienced substantial expansion, alongside the emergence of platforms such as Patreon and Clubhouse, among others.

However, a critical question persists: as a creator, do you genuinely control your audience, or is ownership vested in the platform itself? Several companies, including Mighty Networks, Circle, and Tribe, have attempted to resolve this issue by providing creators with a greater degree of control over their audiences than is typically offered by mainstream social networks.

Disciple Media: A New Platform for Creator-Led Businesses

Disciple Media positions itself as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to empower online creators in building community-focused businesses. The company has successfully secured $6 million in funding during a recent “large Angel round”.

Since its launch in 2018, Disciple Media reports having attracted 2 million members and fostered 500 distinct communities. Notable investors include Nick Mason, the drummer from Pink Floyd, Sir Peter Michael, CEO of Cray Computers and founder of classic FM, Quantel and Cosworth Engineering, Rob Pierre, founder and CEO of Jellyfish, and Keith Morris, former chairman of Sabre Insurance.

Furthermore, the company has announced the appointment of Eirik Svendsen as its new chairman, bringing expertise in online marketplaces, SaaS, and the publishing and media sectors.

Notable Communities and Platform Features

Currently, Disciple Media hosts communities for prominent figures such as American country music star and American Idol judge Luke Bryan, Rod Stryker, and Body by Ciara.

The platform is accessible via both iOS and Android devices and incorporates tools for community management, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and various monetization options. Disciple Media asserts that its creators are collectively generating “millions in revenue each year.”

Founder's Vision and the Shift in Creator Dynamics

Benji Vaughan, founder and CEO, stated: “The magnitude and swift expansion of the creator economy are remarkable, with growth now largely propelled by entrepreneurial creators aiming to establish independent businesses outside the confines of YouTube and traditional social networks.”

Vaughan, who transitioned from a Techno DJ and artist to an entrepreneur, explains that the concept for Disciple Media arose from his experience building similar communities for clients. He emphasizes that data generated within Disciple communities is exclusively owned by the network host, “eliminating third-party risks and enabling immediate action based on insights.”

He explained: “We are witnessing a transition from creators functioning as ‘gig economy workers for social networks’ to becoming business owners who leverage social networks to fulfill their needs, rather than the other way around.”

“Consequently, these individuals are increasingly departing from social networks to construct their businesses, utilizing social networks as marketing channels, much like the broader business world. Once this shift occurs, and they move away from relying on social networks as their primary platform, they require a central hub to consolidate their data and engage with an audience – a community that interacts with both the host and each other.”

The Future of Community Platforms

Vaughan believes that a community platform will become the equivalent of Salesforce or HubSpot within the creative economy. “This is where they will consolidate all information regarding their valuable audience and community engagement.”

“Our long-term goal is to develop a comprehensive platform comparable to those HubSpot provides for technology companies or SaaS businesses: a complete solution for managing user engagement, expanding your user base, and ultimately converting that into revenue.”

Investor Perspective

Rob Pierre, founder and CEO of Jellyfish, commented: “Digitally creating and engaging with your community has never been more crucial. Disciple provides the tools to accomplish both with a fully functional, feature-rich platform that requires minimal initial investment.”

He further added: “It also offers numerous avenues for monetizing your community.”