LaCrème

What LaCrème does

LaCrème is a Paris-based music house providing sync licensing representation, music publishing administration, and talent agency services. Originally launched in 2013 as a vinyl compilation venture under the Creaminal banner, the company was reactivated in 2020 in its current form to focus on placing music from independent artists and labels into film, television, advertising, gaming, and brand campaigns. The company represents a catalog of 100+ artists spanning vintage repertoire (Ennio Morricone, Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, A-ha, Kim Wilde, Poison), contemporary indies (Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys), and emerging Afrobeats acts (Rema, Ayra Starr), sourced through partnerships with 40+ independent labels and publishers including Mexican Summer, Kompakt, Mavin Records, Grönland, Roche Musique, Because Music, and others. A sister-company relationship with Alter-K extends the offering into music supervision and vinyl retail.

The business operates as a B2B services intermediary in the music rights value chain. Revenue is generated through sync licensing fees (per-project placements paid by productions, brands, and agencies), publishing royalties on represented works, and commission-based artist representation. The go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven: music supervisors, brand creative directors, and advertising agencies are the primary buyers, while the supply side consists of independent labels, publishers, and individual artists seeking representation. The client base spans major streaming platforms and studios (Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu), luxury fashion and beauty houses (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, YSL Beauty, Lancôme, Kérastase, Estée Lauder, Balmain, BOSS), automotive (Maserati), gaming (Ubiquit/ubisoft), and consumer brands (Apple, Nike, Alain Afflelou).

LaCrème is privately held and operates as a boutique firm with approximately 10 employees, reflecting a founder-led, relationship-intensive model. Core operational capability centers on music supervision expertise, catalog curation, and direct placement into flagship productions — evidenced by 43+ sync placements across four seasons of Emily in Paris. There is no evidence of proprietary technology infrastructure, AI/ML tooling, or platform-based delivery; the product is the curation and supervision service itself rather than a licensed software platform.

Name

LaCrème

Legal name

LaCrème

Website

https://la-cre.me

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

LaCrème is a Paris-based music house representing 100+ independent artists and labels, providing sync licensing, publishing administration, and talent agency services for film, TV, streaming, advertising, gaming, and luxury brand campaigns globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Licensing Services

NAICS

Music Publishers (51223), Music Publishers (512230)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Sync Licensing Agencies & Representatives (MPAIALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performance Rights Administration (PRO Affiliation, Cue Sheet/Setlist Processing) (MPAIABAE), Sync Clearance & Rights Management (One-Stop, Negotiation, Documentation) (MPAIALAF), Brand Partnerships & Music Placement Services (Non-Exclusive Brand Deals) (MPAIALAM)

Keywords

• Music sync licensing
• Music publishing services
• Sync representation agency
• Talent representation services
• Music rights administration

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Sync Representation: LaCrème earns revenue by representing music catalogs and securing sync licensing placements in film, TV, advertising, video games, and other visual media. They act as intermediary between music rights holders and media producers seeking music for their projects.
2. Publishing Services: The company offers publishing services to their selected partners, managing rights administration and royalty collection for music placed in visual media.
3. Talents Agency: LaCrème represents artists and score composers, earning commissions or fees for connecting talent with sync opportunities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

LaCrème is an independent music house that scouts, curates, and licenses indie music catalogs for synchronization in visual media including film, TV series, trailers, advertising, video games, events, and branding campaigns. The company also administers music publishing rights for represented partners and acts as a talent agency for artists and score composers seeking sync opportunities.

Product overview

LaCrème is a Music House offering three interconnected core services: Sync Representation (licensing music for visual media including film, TV series, trailers, advertising, video games, events, and branding), Publishing (administering music rights for represented artists, composers, labels, and publishers), and Talents Agency (representing artists and score composers for sync opportunities). The company was established in 2013 and represents a diverse catalog of indie music spanning fresh new acts to vintage gems, serving selected partners including artists, composers, labels, and publishers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 43+ total syncs achieved with Emily in Paris series alone across seasons 1-4, with 14 syncs in Season 3 and 12 in Season 2
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Mexican SummercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBrooklyn-based independent record label and music publisher. Mexican Summer is a partner in LaCrème's network, providing access to their catalog of indie music for sync opportunities.
• KompaktcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCologne-based record label known for electronic and techno music. Kompakt is part of LaCrème's partner network for sync representation.
• Mavin RecordscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLagos-based African music label founded by Don Jazzy, featuring artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille. Represents Afrobeat and Afropop talent for sync placements.
• Grönland RecordscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBerlin-based independent label founded by Herbert Grönemeyer, with back-catalog including NEU!, DAF, and BOY. Limited to 6-8 new signings per year.
• Roche MusiquecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench music label founded in 2012 by Jean Janin, featuring artists like FKJ, Darius, and Zimmer. Known for French house and nu-disco.
• untitled (records) – u(r)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLondon-based independent label established in 2017, affiliated with the Windmill scene. Features artists like TAAHLIAH, waterbaby, and Jerskin Fendrix.
• Cherry Red RecordscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBritish independent label founded in 1978, known for punk-rock, post-punk, and alternative rock. Released recordings by Dead Kennedys and created UK Indie Chart.
• Alter KflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFully independent global music services company founded in 2008. Rich catalog of indie artists from French Touch to rap, including sub-publishing with Courtney Barnett, BadBadNotGood, Sofi Tukker. LaCrème's sister company with 43+ combined Emily in Paris syncs.
• Four Flies RecordscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRome-based record label and publisher specializing in vintage Italian soundtracks (1950s-1980s) and cinematic new music. Features Piero Umiliani catalog.
• Bixio Gruppo EditorialeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian music publishing group founded in 1920 by composer Cesare Andrea Bixio. Catalog includes 10,000+ tracks including Cinevox film music.
• ACE EditionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCopenhagen-based music publisher partner.
• AkuphoneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParis-based music label partner.
• Anthology RecordingsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBrooklyn-based independent record label partner.
• Caro. BminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench music publishing company founded in 2020, specializing in indie French-language singer-songwriters.
• Circus CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench independent label founded in 2000, known for electronic music and Nicolas Jaar releases.
• Cookie RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParisian indie label founded in 2021 by Alexis Camous, also a Parisian event maker.
• Crunchy FrogminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCopenhagen label established in 1994, known for alternative rock and quirky music including Junior Senior.
• DittominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiverpool-based music distributor supporting over one million independent musicians globally. Founded in 2006.
• Enchanté RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench label created in 2009, specializing in electronic music and French Touch back catalog.
• Fuzo MusicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench independent record label and music publisher founded in 2020, featuring artists like Bingo Club.
• Gros oeuvreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMediterranean label based in Marseille, specializing in electronic avant-garde and MENA area music.
• HimitsuminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParis-based record label with electronic music DNA, now welcoming R&B, Alt-Rock, Pop, and World artists.
• Ici D'ailleursminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor25+ year old French independent label featuring Yann Tiersen and 150+ releases.
• Inside Records (Electro Posé)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench record label powered by music digger Electro Posé, specializing in electronic and chill music.
• Jean Yann RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBerlin-based electronic music label with Paris origins, released 25+ artists worldwide.
• Jeune à JamaisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUrban music label and publisher founded in 2017, representing artists like Zuukou Mayzie.
• LA CaféminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLabel and publishing branch of Parisian venue Le Café de la Danse, eclectic roster including electronic, classical, pop, and Cuban music.
• Les Airs à VifminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench publishing company founded in 2006 by Laurent Clery, featuring Carpenter Brut, SIERRA, and Mawness.
• Lisbon LuxminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMontreal-based independent label, management, publishing, and remix production team founded in 2013.
• MicroqlimaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench independent record label founded by Antoine Bisou, featuring colorful pop artists like L'Impératrice.
• Mouton Noir RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectronic music label and recording studio based in Rouen, Normandy, founded by Nicolas Lerille.
• No Format !minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench label founded by Laurent Bizot in 2004, featuring world music from Mali, Japan, Brazil, Cuba, and France.
• Osàre! EditionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLabel venture by DJ and NTS radio resident Elena Colombi, focusing on experimental and genre-defying music.
• PrincipeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLisbon-based record label founded in 2011, dedicated to contemporary dance music including kuduro, batida, and kizomba.
• Recherche et DeveloppementminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench label led by Etienne Piketty, featuring artists Jacques, Miel de Montagne, and PPJ.
• Rouge Neon RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBordeaux-based indie label founded by John Ducasse, house for Nuit Ocean and Vimala.
• Snowhill SongsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLondon-based music publishing company with team experience across publishing, records, live promotion, and artist management.
• Totally ImportedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBologna-based hub for music publishing, recording, and consulting. Latin Grammy winner as co-publisher.
• Triple DoubleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParisian music house made of three labels (AOC Records, LCA Records, Carré Records) with management division.
• Underdog RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench alternative label based in Giverny founded in 2004, promoting new artists and reissuing 70s treasures.
• VersatileminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench label with unique identity putting instinct before genre, featuring Joakim, I:Cube, and Zombie Zombie.
• Zuma MusicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParis-based indie record label and publisher specializing in undiscovered international talents.
• ZZK (& AYA) RecordsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLos Angeles-based Latin music label with 65+ albums released, featuring Nicola Cruz, Chancha Vía Circuito, La Yegros.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Domino Music Publishing: Publishing arm of the iconic indie label group (Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Animal Collective). Combines indie label catalog with sync licensing, parallel to LaCrème's indie curation model.
• Creaminal Music Supervision: Music supervision firm from which LaCrème's founding supervisors originated in 2013. Operates the upstream supervision network feeding sync briefs to catalogues like LaCrème's.
• Position Music: Independent sync licensing agency and music publisher placing indie and catalogue tracks in film, TV, advertising and trailers. Closely comparable to LaCrème's sync-representation + publishing + talent agency triumvirate, particularly for ad and trailer clients.
• Heavy Duty Music Supervision: NYC-based sync supervision and licensing outfit placing indie music in film, TV and advertising. Closely matches LaCrème's boutique sync-rep + ad-trailer focus and luxury brand placement.
• Alter-K: Paris-based sister company of LaCrème operating global sync representation with an indie catalog spanning French Touch to rap (Courtney Barnett, BadBadNotGood, Sofi Tukker). Listed as a flagship partner; combined entity shares 43+ Emily in Paris syncs.

Emerging players

• Musicbed: Sync licensing subscription platform popular with filmmakers, agencies and brands. Represents a tech-mediated distribution model for sync that competes for boutique-style indie placements alongside human-curated agencies like LaCrème.
• Songtradr: Music licensing platform and catalogue marketplace that aggregates rights for sync use cases. An emerging player whose B2B marketplace model could pressure boutique sync agencies over time.

Broad incumbents

• Spirit Music Group: Major independent music publisher with a large catalogue of iconic songs and active sync licensing operation. Operates at greater scale than LaCrème but competes head-to-head on vintage and catalogue placements.
• Beggars Music: Publishing arm of the Beggars Group (XL, 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade) representing Radiohead, The xx, Adele and others. A larger, more established indie publisher that competes for the same sync briefs LaCrème pitches.
• Concord Music Publishing: Large independent music publisher with deep catalogue (classic songwriters, film/TV scoring) and global sync operations. Comparable publishing + sync service mix, but at materially greater scale than LaCrème.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thisislacreme
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thisislacreme
• Instagraminstagram.com/thisislacreme

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LaCrème