The Scary Truth: Tapped AI Shuts Down on Friday the 13th

It was a journey that began with an April Fool's joke—a faux announcement on LinkedIn claiming that DDG purchased Tapped AI for $28.28 million, a figure plucked from thin air that sparked real interest and set the stage for what was to become one of the most buzzworthy entries into the music tech scene.

What followed was a series of events that could only be described as a whirlwind ascension, marked by sold-out mixers, notable partnerships, and innovative tech talks. However, as quickly as it rose, Tapped AI is now shutting down, and the reasons behind its closure are shrouded in mystery.

The prank, cleverly orchestrated by Tapped AI’s co-founders, Ilias Anwar and John Naylor, was not just a fleeting viral moment. It catalyzed genuine interest, leading to the creation of the "Tapped Mixer" a series of networking events that combined music tech panels with live networking, rapidly becoming a staple in the New York tech and music scene. These events, celebrated for their innovation and community building, sold out repeatedly and were featured prominently on the front page of platforms like Lu.ma. Whereas if the stunt was never pulled, it seemed like nobody would care to attend the event.

Capitalizing on the momentum, Tapped AI expanded its presence with a strategically placed billboard in Times Square. This bold marketing move coincided with their inaugural Tapped Mixer, significantly amplifying the startup's brand presence, and drawing a crowd of over 120 attendees to their first major event in Brooklyn. This gathering was not just another networking event, it was a very loud attempt to ensure their space in the industry.

The buzz around Tapped AI soon opened doors to prestigious speaking engagements, including one at the University of Virginia (UVA). Here, they addressed eager postgraduate students, sharing insights about entrepreneurship in the AI sector. This event also proved to be a fruitful ground for networking with potential investors and industry stalwarts, further sparking interest in Tapped AI's vision and potential.

The founders’ strategic acumen was evident in their collaboration during New York Tech Week with AI Furnace, which led to the pre-sale of over 700+ tickets for the "Summer Soiree" event. This collaboration not only bolstered Tapped AI's standing in the tech community but also underscored its capability to host and manage large-scale industry events.

Their growing influence caught the attention of OnTheScene New York, which featured Tapped AI, leading to burgeoning interest from major players like Warner Music, Universal, and Sony. The startup’s participation in a Chartmetric event at NYU further solidified this interest, bringing them into discussions with Chartmetric’s COO, Andreas Katsambas, and other influential figures such as Megh Vakria and Alston Pough for their Tapped Mixer.

This then led to them being noticed by music mogul Bob Shami, who then did an interview with both founders and predicted Tapped AI’s potential to disrupt the music industry, was a testament to the company's growing influence. This was followed by strategic meetings in Los Angeles with executives from industry giants such as Death Row Records, Hallwood Media, and Capitol Records, setting the stage for what many assumed would be expansive growth.

Despite these high points, the announcement that Tapped AI would be shutting down today came as a shock. On the surface, the company had everything going for it -momentum, industry recognition, and a burgeoning user base. Yet, the decision to close its doors on Friday the 13th, chosen perhaps for its dramatic flair, left the industry puzzled. The reasons for this sudden decision remain shrouded in mystery, with no clear explanations from the founders or any involved parties.

The shutdown of Tapped AI is not just the end of a startup but a pause in a narrative that many hoped would continue to redefine the music tech landscape. It raises questions about the volatility of the startup ecosystem, the pressures and challenges of rapid scaling, and the complexities of navigating a business where innovation, public reception, and financial sustainability must align.

Up until its abrupt closure announcement, Tapped AI had been on an upward trajectory, securing significant partnerships, and expanding its influence across the tech and music industries. The company had just hosted the number one ticketed event at NY Tech Week, outperforming major tech companies, and had discussions underway with some of the biggest names in music and tech. The founders, Johannes and Ilias, had moved to New York City full-time, brought on a team of over 40 interns, and were in the process of building the largest live performance database using predictive analytics.

The unexpected shutdown raises numerous questions: Was there a hidden financial crisis or unresolved internal conflicts? Did potential legal challenges or disputes over intellectual property rights play a role? I speculate that the founders received an irresistible buyout offer, or perhaps they were pressured by undisclosed external factors that forced their hand.

Moreover, the timing and secretive nature of the closure have only added to the intrigue. The choice of Friday the 13th, a date synonymous with bad luck and ominous occurrences, suggests a flair for the dramatic that had characterized much of Tapped AI’s public persona. It leaves a shadow over what was a bright and rapidly rising star in the tech world, turning what many thought would be a long-term success story into a cautionary tale of the volatile nature of the startup ecosystem.

To check out their website go to www.tapped.ai