Startup story: SyncHub X Tehnopol Startup Incubator

Each year, dozens of high-potential startups develop their product or service in Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s main program and special accelerators. One of these special accelerators is the Film and Multimedia Accelerator, which focuses on developing digital solutions that support the multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, storytelling platforms, and other tools for the film industry and the creative sector. The startup SyncHub is participating in the accelerator.

SyncHub is a music licensing platform that enables commercially released music by artists to be licensed for various video projects in just a few clicks. The founders are Heidi Reial and Alice Pia Kattago. Heidi works at the Estonian Performers’ Association, focusing on data processing and performers’ rights, and Alice Pia has long-term experience in music publishing and conducting music-related research. Heidi Reial shared more about SyncHub’s work.

How did the idea to build your startup come about?

“There wasn’t exactly a plan to start a startup – rather, through conversations it became clear that there was a problem in the market for which there didn’t seem to be a good solution, nor anyone who wanted to solve it. So we decided to build the solution ourselves.”

What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?

“The biggest challenge in the music (technology) field is finding funding. The biggest win at the moment is that we’ve already been developing the company for a full year and have reached a working product.”

What sets SyncHub apart from competitors?

“We focus on European music output – especially from the Baltic, Balkan, and Eastern European regions – which on other similar platforms tends to get lost among the high-volume output of larger countries.”

Why Tehnopol’s Film and Multimedia Accelerator?

“In the creative sector there are limited options – Tehnopol Startup Incubator was there for us at the right time. We’re also happy about the help, support, and opportunities that emerged when joining the incubator.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And in 5 years?

“In one year, we want to still be operating. We do have a five-year plan – those who want to know can ask.”

Who will be the next Estonian unicorn?

“No idea, but I doubt it will come from the music sector.”

Which books/podcasts/publications and people in your field do you follow and recommend to other early-stage founders?

“To be honest, I don’t read startup books or listen to startup podcasts, because they’re mostly not inspiring for me. In music business, I think Simon Napier-Bell’s book ‘The Business: A History of Popular Music from Sheet Music to Streaming’ is very good. I also follow music-related YouTube channels like Top Music Attorney and Benn Jordan, and among music-related podcasts I listen to The New Music Business podcast.”

Applications for Tehnopol’s Film and Multimedia Accelerator are open until March 4. We don’t just support technology-based ideas – we connect you with experts in the field, providing direct access to key figures in the film industry, the market, and investors. This creates a unique opportunity to develop your product or service in a sector where innovation and creativity meet high technology. Read more and submit your application here!

The activities of Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s Film and Multimedia Accelerator are funded by the European Union.