The Founders Forum 2013

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 60 companies from the US and UK content and technology industries are poised to share new business models, discuss next-generation distribution and explore transatlantic trade opportunities at an innovation summit to be held in Los Angeles February 4 and 5.

Business leaders from corporations including Sony Pictures Entertainment, DreamWorks and Universal Music, among many others, are to pool ideas at the inaugural Innovation Forum. The Forum is endorsed by both British and American governments, attended by the chairmen, chief executives and founders of companies such as Spotify, Wikipedia, Songkick, Playmob and Soundcloud.

Founders Forum and UK Trade & Investment will be partnering with co-hosts Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music, Ari Emmanuel, co-CEO of William Morris Endeavor, Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment, Inc. and superstar artist, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur will.i.am for this special 2-day event.

Lucian Grainge, CBE, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group (UMG) and UK Business Ambassador said, "Britain's continued success in content and technology depends on global recognition. Pioneers in all forms of media, entertainment, technology and telecoms need to lift their international profile, and there is nowhere better to start than the largest market for digital audiences: the US."

Jonnie Goodwin, Co-Founder of Founders Forum, added: "British innovation and talent is embedded in much of America's creative industries. This business summit will extend those ties in new ways, building partnerships to drive future revenue and growth."

The Forum is expected to enhance trade links between the UK and US in this sector, paving the way for potential partnerships, technology sharing or strategic business opportunities. Topics to be discussed include: "The Wider Purpose of our Initiative," "The Right Environment for Start-Ups" as well as Entertainment, Digital Media and Funding Discussions.

The Innovation Forum LA 2013 is delighted to be supported by Universal Music Group, UK Trade & Investment, Lepe Partners, Tech City UK, Jaguar, Rightster and Shazam. The video below captures the spirit and uniqueness of this now global, invite-only event, created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.

For additional information on The Innovation Forum LA 2013 please visit: http://uktiusaevents.org/innovationforum/index.html

About UK Trade and Investment:

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk

About Founders Forum:

Founders Forum is a global community for entrepreneurs and business leaders in media and technology, designed to create, encourage and support entrepreneurial growth and job creation from and within the UK. Founders Forum was co-founded by Brent Hoberman (lastminute.com, Made.com, PROfounders Capital, UK Business Trade Ambassador) and Jonathan Goodwin (LongAcre, The Wireless Group, Lepe Partners) and currently hosts events in Brazil, India, the USA and UK.

Founders Forum spends many months identifying candidates to showcase their new ideas to founders, investors, journalists and future entrepreneurs. FF is a proud partner of the British Government's GREAT campaign and welcomes the support received from the British Prime Minister. For more information on Founders Forum, visit www.ff.co

SOURCE Universal Music Group