Bridging The Gap: Inside iiNDYVERSE with CMO Robin Shaw
Meet Robin Shaw, the Chief Marketing Officer of iiNDYVERSE. With over 15 years of experience in the music industry and brand marketing, he has seen it all and done it all. From his early years in the underground music scene, setting up record labels and club nights, to founding a brand agency working with clients like Adidas and Red Bull, Robin's journey is a testament to the power of creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. Now, as he leads iiNDYVERSE, a direct fan engagement platform changing the landscape of the creative economy, Robin reflects on the inspiration behind the venture, milestones achieved, and his vision for the future.
What inspired you to start this particular venture?
I've spent around 15 years working in music and brand marketing. My last business was a brand agency that collaborated with various clients, including Adidas, North Face, and notably Red Bull Music Academy, supporting them in connecting with audiences. The problem I encountered was finding efficient, direct fan engagement tools that small teams could use. This challenge, combined with my interest in augmented commerce, Web 3, digital collectibles, and the metaverse, spurred the creation of iiNDYVERSE. Together with my business partner, Bryan, we developed a single platform housing multiple tools, providing artists with an affordable subscription model.
What milestones has your startup achieved since its inception?
We've reached some significant milestones. We secured backing from Farfetch, a leading global commerce and fashion retailer, and Outlier Ventures, a prominent Web 3 investor. Participating in their accelerator program kick-started our development. We also got invited to pitch at South by Southwest and won the speed pitch segment. We've managed to do a lot with minimal funding, primarily because we already have clients. Our approach has always been to build something people would want to pay for.
What is your long-term vision for the company?
Our long-term mission is to empower artists and record labels to achieve greater financial independence through deeper fan relationships. We are working with one of the world's most significant artists and brands on an exciting project that will launch soon. As we develop more tools through partnerships, we can then offer these to smaller to medium-sized artists, staying true to our core value of supporting creativity. We aim to democratize fan engagement experiences using Web 3 technology, making it easier for audiences to interact without worrying about the technical details.
From humble beginnings in the music industry to helping shape the future of fan engagement, Robin Shaw's journey is an inspiration. Through iiNDYVERSE, he and his team are redefining how artists and fans connect, fostering deeper relationships and opening new avenues for creativity. As the platform continues to evolve, so does the promise of a more democratized creative economy. The music industry, and indeed the world, will be watching eagerly to see what Robin and iiNDYVERSE will do next.