Ex-CEO of SM Entertainment launches K-Pop company in the US with backing from private investment firms Raptor Group, Animoca Ventures and more

Nikki Semin Han, a former CEO of SM Entertainment, has launched a new US-headquartered company called TITAN CONTENT.

Claimed to be the “world’s first premier multinational K-pop powerhouse music company”, TITAN says that it is “poised to reshape and revolutionize the K-pop landscape”, and has secured backing from a number of private investment firms.

The company has raised an undisclosed sum in an initial seed round led and closed by RW3 Ventures and Raptor Group with Korea-based Dreamus Company serving as a co-lead investor.

Companies that Raptor Group has previously invested in include the likes of Spotify, Uber, Snapchat, Twitter and Airbnb. Dreamus Company, meanwhile, according to its investor site, counts K-Pop giant SM Entertainment as an investor.

Other co-investors in TITAN CONTENT’s seed round include investment firms and strategic global partners like Animoca Ventures, Sfermion, Bell Partners AB, Heros Entertainment, Infinity Ventures Crypto, Scrum Ventures, Planetarium, and Avalanche.

TITAN claims that its founders have “reshaped K-pop into a global cultural phenomenon” through their work with K-pop superstars like BoA, Girls’ Generation, SUPER JUNIOR, EXO, The Boyz, TWICE, ITZY, among many others.

With headquarters in Los Angeles and studios in both Los Angeles and Seoul, TITAN claims to be the first US-based music company “totally committed to the thriving K-pop genre”.

The company says that it plans to “develop and create world-class K-pop artists and content” and will further expand to “a variety of festivals and brands”.

TITAN adds that it will combine traditional K-pop business models and content with Web3, metaverse, and AI innovation, ushering in a new era in music and entertainment.

In addition to Nikki Semin Han (Chairman of the Board), TITAN’s founders and executive team include Katie Kang as CEO.

Katie Kang is described by TITAN as a “trailblazer who has created unparalleled casting, training, and producing systems that have become the cornerstone of K-pop artist development”.

She has worked with K-pop groups such as TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, F(x), SHINee, EXO, NCT, Red Velvet, The Boyz, and many more.

Lia Kim has been named Chief Performance Officer and is described as a “trailblazing figure in K-dance and choreography and the visionary behind Korea’s iconic 1MILLION DANCE STUDIO”. Her expertise includes working with artists such as TWICE, ITZY, MAMAMO, and SUNMI.

Fashion specialist Guiom Lee, the founder of DAZED KOREA, and former sales head for Prada in South Korea, is the company’s Chief Visual Officer.

TITAN says that Lee has “redefined the boundaries of visual creativity” and that “his work has left an enduring imprint on iconic K-Pop groups like The Boyz, SEVENTEEN, and GOT7”.

Dom Rodriguez, meanwhile has been named Chief Business Officer, and has over 20 years of experience as a multi-platinum producer.

“Think of TITAN like the Avengers of the K-pop community joining forces to redefine the industry.”

Nikki Semin Han

Nikki Semin Han, chairman of the Board, said: “Think of TITAN like the Avengers of the K-pop community joining forces to redefine the industry. With a proven record of elevating global superstars, TITAN’s founders and executives have played key roles in helping shape K-pop and making it a global lifestyle with passionate fans across the world.

“Together, we’re creating a company where artists thrive, fans come first, music takes center stage, and industry disruption reigns supreme.”

“By connecting the East and the West, TITAN plans to lead the K-pop revolution on a global scale.”

CEO Katie Kang 

CEO Katie Kang added: “By connecting the East and the West, TITAN plans to lead the K-pop revolution on a global scale.

“Not only will we utilize our vast experience and expertise to develop and create beloved K-pop artists and brands, we will also push the industry forward through savvy Web3 disruption.”

“We’re thrilled to work together to lead the next generation of K-pop.”

Dom Rodriguez

Chief Business Officer, Dom Rodriguez, said: “With TITAN, you can expect groundbreaking innovation, unmatched creativity, and global success.

“We’re thrilled to work together to lead the next generation of K-pop.”

 Music Business Worldwide