SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Tech pioneers, media and social innovators, and finance industry veterans join forces to reinvent personalized social communities 


A coalition of digital pioneers and entertainment innovators have emerged from stealth mode to unveil Connyct, bringing together a team of proven innovators in viral platforms, music streaming, hit television, and scalable technology. The leadership team, which includes executives behind several of social media's defining moments, has spent two years in stealth building what represents the next evolution in digital connection. Backed by strategic investors, this dream team is targeting what they see as social media's biggest missed opportunity: personalized social communities for the next generation.
 
Connyct’s co-founder and CEO Matt Berman brings proven expertise in building viral platforms, having previously launched and scaled an early YouTube competitor to half a million monthly users with backing from advertising legend Martin Sorrell and WPP. Over the past 15 years, he's founded multiple successful digital media agencies, developing go-to-market strategies and ambassador programs for brands including Heineken, Fireball Whisky, and Delano Hotel.

Jonathan Blum, President and Chief Financial Officer, brings three decades of Wall Street experience and startup growth expertise to Connyct's executive team. The Harvard Business School graduate's strategic financial oversight has been crucial in securing key investments and developing Connyct's market expansion strategy. Blum's background in scaling high-growth companies provides Connyct with a strong financial and operational foundation.

Jared Neutel, Chief Technology Officer, brings extensive expertise in building and scaling technology platforms. As CEO of Neutech, he currently manages a team of 200 developers, demonstrating his ability to lead large-scale technical operations. Known for his expertise in AI-driven recommendation systems and real-time communication platforms, Neutel has built and scaled development teams at multiple successful startups. His technical leadership ensures Connyct's platform can deliver seamless experiences across online interaction and real-world event discovery, while his experience managing large engineering teams positions the company for rapid scaling.

Bill Campbell, Chief Music Officer, brings decades of music industry experience to Connyct's content strategy. As a pioneering figure in digital music licensing and strategy, Campbell played a pivotal role in TikTok's meteoric rise, helping secure crucial music industry partnerships during the platform's transformation from Musical.ly and expansion into the U.S. market. His deep expertise in navigating complex music licensing landscapes and building creator tools has already proved invaluable, as evidenced by Connyct's partnership with major and independent labels, publishers, and performing rights organizations, which will give users access to licensed commercial music for content creation.

Simmy Kustanowitz, Chief Marketing Officer, joins Connyct following his success as Executive Producer of TBS and truTV's cultural phenomenon "Impractical Jokers," which has garnered billions of views across social platforms. His deep understanding of viral content creation and youth culture has shaped Connyct's unique approach to user engagement. Kustanowitz's background in both traditional and digital entertainment brings valuable insight into how content drives community building and real-world connections.

Connyct is the brainchild of David Polinsky, Connyct's Chairman and co-founder. Polinsky stated, "We've spent two years assembling not just innovative technology, but an incredible  leadership team that understands what drives authentic engagement, what makes content spread, and most importantly – having a skillset to develop what is missing from today's digital experience."

Polinsky embodies the intersection of innovation and strategic growth. After graduating from Fordham Law, Polinsky partnered with former NYC Mayor Ed Koch to pioneer legal tech with the founding of the first consumer focused online consumer site thelaw.com. Polinsky has since spent 25 years building a distinguished reputation as a founder, investor and executive across multiple industries, including breakthrough work in biotech focused on developing  treatments in oncology and for pediatric illnesses.

"Since the start, our mission has been simple: to craft a platform that sparks real connections while safeguarding what matters most—trust, privacy, and authenticity," says Berman, Connyct's CEO. "What sets us apart is our commitment to building an ecosystem where people connect through passion - where technology amplifies genuine human connection, where the things that matter in your physical life—your circles of friends, events, music—are at the heart of your social experience. We're not just building another app; we're creating a space where your digital world finally reflects and enhances your real one."

Together, this diverse leadership team ensures Connyct is well-equipped to bridge the gap between online interactions and real-life connections, empowering users to engage more meaningfully through unique features including the first video based Events Center for discovering local activities, group creation tools that foster community building, and a comprehensive creative toolkit. These features are built on a robust infrastructure designed to scale, with privacy and trust as core principles.

Connyct is now welcoming applications from college students across the U.S. to join its exclusive early access program. Selected early adopters will begin creating and sharing content on the platform ahead of the official launch in the coming weeks. Interested students can apply at connyct.com.

03 Dec 2024 | Press release

Youth Music releases new Industry Connect report that reveals the need for more cross industry partnership

 Youth Music,a leading UK charity dedicated to helping marginalised young people, has launched a landmark research report, seeking to support young creatives facing significant barriers to entering the industry; and is calling for the first-ever cross industry coalition to revolutionise...more

03 Dec 2024 | Press release

UK Americana Music Week returns to London in January 2025

Celebrating the Best in Americana Music with Performances, Awards, and Industry Insights Including:  UK AMERICANA AWARDS, THURSDAY JANUARY 23Candi Staton, Lyle Lovett and CMAT to be honoured with Special Awards SHOWCASES AND CONFERENCE, TUESDAY 21 & WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY EXCLUSIVE FILM PREMIERE, MONDAY...more

03 Dec 2024 | Press release

Stephanie Adamu steps away from the label system to launch Kobra Culture - a new era of African diaspora-centric marketing

  Stephanie Adamu, a visionary force in global music marketing, has announced her departure as UK Marketing Director at EMPIRE to launch her own marketing agency, Kobra Culture. With over a decade of industry experience, including shaping the international rise of...more

03 Dec 2024 | Press release

Andy’s Man Club and Tom Meighan launch winter 'Would You Mind' campaign

WATCH IT HERE      TOM MEIGHAN fronts hard hitting Andy’s Man Club campaign with his song ‘Would You Mind’  to support men’s mental health ahead of the festive season and New Year.  The collaborative video features Meighan, facilitators and members of Andy’s Man...more

02 Dec 2024 | Press release

Independent Venue Week announces Gwenno and rEDOLENT as ambassadors

  The much-loved annual 7-day celebration of independent music and arts venues returns between January 27th and February 2nd 2025 presenting hundreds of live shows throughout the UK Gwenno plays a special solo IVW show at Cardiff's award-winning Acapela Studio on Wednesday...more

02 Dec 2024 | Press release

Azi Eftekhari appointed Chief Operating Officer at Sony Music UK

Sony Music UK has today announced the appointment of Azi Eftekhari as Chief Operating Officer at Sony Music UK, with immediate effect. Azi will report to Jason Iley (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland) and will be responsible...more

02 Dec 2024 | Press release

Legendary label Relentless Records marks 25th anniversary with history-spanning limited-edition vinyl boxset 'Relentless 25'

EXCLUSIVE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY BOXSET FEATURES RARE REMIXES, GENRE-DEFINING TRACKS, AND NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ARCHIVE IMAGES FEATURING SO SOLID CREW, ROLL DEEP, LETHAL BIZZLE, HEADIE ONE, NOT3S, JOSS STONE, TOM WALKER, BAD BOY CHILLER CREW AND MANY MORE INCLUDING VISUALS BY ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHER...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

'UNSEEN', an auction of photography by David Bowie, Sir Rod Stewart, and Noel Gallagher raises vital funds for mental health charity

LEGENDARY ARTISTS INCLUDING NICK CAVE, PET SHOP BOYS, JOAN ARMATRADING, ARCTIC MONKEYS, AND MORE PARTICIPATE IN SUPPORT OF NEW MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY 'MENTAL AID' IMAGES UP FOR AUCTION HERE Yesterday evening, MENTAL AID, a charity dedicated to helping rebuild the lives of those suffering...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

Leona Lewis's 'One More Sleep' is the UK's most played modern Christmas track

  Leona Lewis’s festive hit ‘One More Sleep’ has been named the most played Christmas song released in the 21st century, according to new airplay data analysis from PPL.  The track, released in 2013, peaked at number three on the UK singles...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

Winamp releases advanced version of Creator platform to empower artists to build and manage revenue beyond streaming

Featuring distribution, copyright, licensing, collectibles, fan engagement, collaboration and marketing - no other platform covers everything an artist needs Winamp, the innovative music platform, is today releasing an advanced version of Winamp for Creators, making it the first all-in-one suite of tools...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

Blanco, Halina Rice, TAAHLIAH, Local and aimei among the 10 talented artists receiving the latest round of PPL Momentum Music Fund support

PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, together with PPL, Creative Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, reveal the latest artists that will receive support from the pioneering PPL Momentum Music Fund.    The artists who have been selected by...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

Push Ent's Cirkay Launches FAN PASS - A New Era For Direct Fan Engagement

PUSH ENTERTAINMENT’S CIRKAY LAUNCHES CIRKAY FAN PASS: A NEW ERA FOR DIRECT FAN ENGAGEMENT FRICTIONLESS AND INNOVATIVE MULTI PLATFORM “DIGITAL KEY” ADOPTED BY WHITE LIES AND BIG COOKIE FOR CREATIVE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FROM THE TEAM BEHIND PIONEERING FAN STRATEGIES FOR...more

29 Nov 2024 | Press release

Winners revealed at star-studded ceremony for the Rolling Stone UK 2024

PERFORMANCES BY ENGLISH TEACHER, JADE, CONFIDENCE MAN AND THE CAST OF TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL The Rolling Stone UK December/January issue is available digitally at 11pm on Thursday 28th November 2024 and in all good newsagents from Friday 29th November   Tonight, Rolling Stone...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

MTV UK reveals MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2025 nominees

MTV UK has today revealed the top ten freshest music artists who have made the cut in the highly anticipated MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2025 campaign.  MTV PUSH UK & IRE champions emerging artists and homegrown talent who MTV have...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

Tom Grennan to host festive Amazon Music City Session

LIVE FROM 9PM GMT ON THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER TUNE IN TO WATCH LIVE ON THE AMAZON MUSIC UK CHANNEL ON TWITCH HERE AND PRIME VIDEO   Multiple BRIT and Ivor Novello nominated artist, Tom Grennan will host a festive Amazon Music City Session, live from...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

AEG Presents launches Forever Now

A ONE-DAY FESTIVAL CELEBRATING ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AND CULTURE  TO TAKE PLACE AT THE NATIONAL BOWL, MILTON KEYNES 22 JUNE 2025   AEG Presents today announces the launch of a mammoth new one-day festival for passionate music lovers of all ages. Forever Now will debut on 22 June 2025 at...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

Dover's The Booking Hall purchased by 'The National Trust of Music Venues'

THE BOOKING HALL BECOMES THE LATEST ACQUISITION UNDER MUSIC VENUE PROPERTIES’ #OWNOURVENUES SCHEME Purchase protects the future of iconic Dover Grassroots Music Venue Shares in the scheme to save more venues are available from www.musicvenueproperties.com “Fantastic news The Booking Hall is secured and here...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

Various Artists Management announce promotion of Rebecca Dixon to Global Head of Marketing & General Manager UK

  Various Artists Management (VAM) has announced the promotion of Rebecca Dixon to the role of Global Head of Marketing & General Manager UK.The promotion, effective immediately, sees Dixon step up from her previous role as head of marketing and promotions....more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

Abbie Mccarthy's annual Future Karma Series returns in January & February 2025

12 ARTISTS, 2 VENUES, 4 DATES IN LONDON   Abbie McCarthy’s Future Karma returns! In a series of shows across London in January and February 2025, Future Karma will be hosting twelve of the UK’s most hotly tipped rising stars across four...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

DJs, clubs, and music industry bodies voice support for KUVO powered by DJ Monitor to champion fair royalties for electronic music creators

AlphaTheta Corporation announces significant progress with its KUVO powered by DJ Monitor initiative to help electronic music creators get paid.   Nightclubs globally pay over €400 million* each year to Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) for music rights so DJs and artists can...more

28 Nov 2024 | Press release

Sound City+ Conference - first speakers announced

Sound City returns in 2025 following its biggest year yet, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of music discovery. The upcoming showcase festival will run from 3-4th May, with Sound City+ Conference packed with discussions, workshops, and game-changing networking opportunities...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

72 UK festivals cancelled in 2024

Fallen festival count doubles year-on-year.   72 UK festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024 - double the amount that fell in 2023. 31-year-old Tenterden Folk Festival is among the most recent closures, with rising costs among the...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

Music Venue Trust partner with Save Our Scene to launch 'Liveline Fund'

Coldplay, Sam Fender & Katy Perry donations launch new initiative livelinefund.uk Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity which represents hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs), has joined forces with live music advocates, Save Our Scene (SOS), to launch the Liveline Fund. Aimed...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

New data unveils disabled musicians are facing high levels of discrimination in the workplace, multi-faceted financial challenges and poor physical and mental wellbeing

  Disabled musicians are facing significant challenges when it comes to discrimination in the workplace, financial security and fair pay, as well as poor physical and mental wellbeing – according to a new report released today from the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians.  Of...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

Government boosts growth-driving creative industries in Merseyside and the West Midlands

  £13.5 million awarded to boost Merseyside’s thriving live music sector and help creative firms in the West Midlands revolutionise live performance with VR and immersive technology  Clusters funding builds on UK’s regional strengths as part of government’s growth-driving mission for the...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah and David Arnold among songwriters and composers elected to the Ivors Academy Board

  Acclaimed music creators elected also include two-time Ivor Novello Award winner Iain Archer (Snow Patrol, Jake Bugg), multi-platinum songwriter Fiona Bevan (Kylie, Tom Walker, Ed Sheeran), Ivor Novello Award nominee Ines Dunn (Maisie Peters, Mimi Webb), classical composer and instrumentalist...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

Flavour signs joint deal with Warner Music Africa and Africori

  Nigerian superstar Flavour has signed a joint deal with Warner Music Africa and Africori, which will see his future releases distributed through them both. Flavour will be able to leverage Warner Music’s global network and utilise its best-in-class A&R and...more

27 Nov 2024 | Press release

Obituary: J. Saul Kane

Legendary producer, mixer and DJ, J. Saul Kane (aka Depth Charge), born Jonathan Saul Kane on 26 January 1967 died on 12 July 2024 from complications arising from diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Jonathan was raised in West London by his mother Carol, a dancer...more

26 Nov 2024 | Press release

RSC Chair to lead Creative Industries Council, as work kicks off on growth plan for the sector

  Baroness Shriti Vadera, Chair of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Prudential plc, to become industry chair of the Creative Industries Council  Baroness Vadera to succeed current chair Sir Peter Bazalgette next summer Between now and next spring, Baroness Vadera and Sir Peter...more

26 Nov 2024 | Press release

BBC Radio 6 Music reveals its Albums of the Year 2024

Today, BBC Radio 6 Music announces its Albums of the Year 2024. The station’s Albums of the Year are announced each November, with 6 Music presenters each selecting their favourite album that has been released over the last twelve months. Cam Pia,...more

03 Dec 2024

  • After music’s "outright submission" to tech, what happens next? (see Opinion)

02 Dec 2024

  • Relentless Records hits its 25th anniversary (see Features)

  • Kate Nash: ‘OnlyFans funds my tour because music doesn’t pay’ (see Features)

  • Entertainment industry accused of fleecing fans as UK ticket mark-ups reach 41% (see Analysis)

29 Nov 2024

  • Kendrick Lamar, whose beef with Drake has gone legal (see Features)

28 Nov 2024

  • The continuing impact of radio (see Features)

27 Nov 2024

  • Drake files second action against UMG (see News)

26 Nov 2024

  • Interview: TikTok's Ole Obermann (see Features)

  • Is the love song is dying? (see Analysis)

25 Nov 2024

  • The record label recovery: Deals (see Opinion)

  • Will Page report highlights industry revenues rose a tenth last year (see Reports)

22 Nov 2024

  • The Ivors Academy responds to the This Is Music 2024 report (see Comment)

21 Nov 2024

  • Stick or twist time – streaming’s innovation dilemma (see Comment)

20 Nov 2024

  • UK Music releases annual economic report This Is Music 2024 (see Reports)