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Pirate Studios operates a global network of 24/7 self-service creative spaces, providing accessible facilities for artists across various disciplines. These automated studios are professionally equipped for music rehearsals, recording sessions, podcast production, and DJ practice, all managed through an online booking system. The company’s technical approach focuses on leveraging technology to deliver flexible, high-quality, and affordable studio access without the need for on-site staff.
The company was co-founded by David Borrie and Mikey Hammerton, launching their first studio in Bristol, England, in 2014. Their initial insight stemmed from recognizing the prohibitive costs and limited availability of traditional studio spaces, which often hindered emerging artists. They pioneered a model of converting underutilized properties into accessible, self-service creative hubs, democratizing studio time for a broader creative community.
Pirate Studios serves a diverse clientele including independent musicians, DJs, podcasters, and dancers, offering them convenient and cost-effective environments for practice, creation, and collaboration. The company's vision is to empower global creators by continually expanding its network, providing essential infrastructure that lowers barriers to entry and fosters artistic development. It aims to be the leading platform for on-demand creative space worldwide.
Pirate Studios has raised $40.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Pirate Studios has raised $40.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Pirate Studios has raised $40.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $20.0M Seed in November 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2018 | $20M Seed | — | Astanor Ventures, Talis Capital, Bart Swanson | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2018 | $20M Series U | — | Ambridge Capital, Astanor Ventures, Bond, KOMPAS VC, LUX Capital, Notion Capital, Pro Founders Capital, Resurge Growth Partners, Social Capital, Tribe Capital | Announced |
Pirate Studios is a technology-enabled creative studio company providing affordable, 24/7 self-service rehearsal, DJ, recording, podcast, and dance spaces to musicians, DJs, podcasters, and dancers worldwide.[1][2][3] It serves a community of over 350,000 artists by solving the problem of expensive, inflexible access to professional-grade equipment through a contactless booking model via pirate.com, where users receive door codes instantly for keyless entry.[1][3] With over 700 purpose-built studios across 24 cities in the UK, US (including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York), and Europe (Berlin, Dublin, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London), the company has seen rapid growth, expanding from rehearsal spaces to specialized DJ rooms equipped with Pioneer Pro Audio gear like CDJ-2000NXS2 players, DJM-900NXS2 mixers, and XPRS speakers.[1][3]
Founded in 2014 by musicians David Borrie and Mikey Hammerton as a passion project among friends, Pirate Studios emerged to democratize access to creative spaces for artists of all levels.[1] Starting in the UK, it quickly evolved by adding recording rooms, pro DJ setups, podcast studios, and dance spaces, fueled by partnerships like Pioneer Pro Audio to meet demand for high-quality equipment.[1] Early traction came from its 24/7, affordable, contactless model, which proved resilient during the pandemic, enabling rapid international expansion to over 750 studios today.[1][3]
Pirate Studios rides the creator economy wave, leveraging technology for on-demand creative infrastructure amid rising independent music, podcasting, and DJ cultures.[1][3] Its timing aligns with post-pandemic demand for flexible, contactless spaces and remote work shifts, filling gaps left by traditional studios amid urbanization and high real estate costs.[1] Market forces like streaming growth (350k artists) and live event resurgence favor its model, while tech integrations (app-based booking, IoT locks) position it as a platform play in music tech.[3] It influences the ecosystem by fostering diversity, empowering underserved creators through funds and inclusion programs, and partnering with brands like Pioneer to standardize pro tools globally.[1][2]
Pirate Studios is poised for further global scaling, potentially exceeding 1,000 studios by targeting emerging markets in Asia and more EU/US cities, while deepening tech features like AI booking optimization or virtual studio previews.[1][3] Trends like Web3 music ownership, live-streamed performances, and podcast booms will amplify its community events and workshops, evolving it from spaces provider to full artist platform.[3] Its influence may grow through expanded charity funds and diversity efforts, solidifying its role as an inclusive backbone for the creator economy—echoing its founding mission to make pro creative spaces accessible to all.[2]
Pirate Studios has raised $40.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Pirate Studios's investors include Astanor Ventures, Talis Capital, Bart Swanson, Ambridge Capital, Bond, Kompas VC, Lux Capital, Notion Capital, Pro Founders Capital, Resurge Growth Partners, Social Capital, Tribe Capital.
