Merlin Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025

 

Merlin is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

This recognition reflects Merlin’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for Merlin’s members in the digital space. That commitment ranges from advancing data-driven insights to fostering the next generation of female music industry leaders. But among Merlin’s recent innovations, one stands out: Merlin Connect, a streamlined licensing solution that is transforming how digital platforms access and integrate quality independent music.

 

“Innovation at Merlin is about finding meaningful solutions for independent music and the broader digital ecosystem,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “We’ve introduced a number of forward-thinking initiatives over the past year, but Merlin Connect exemplifies our ability to break down long-standing industry barriers. By making independent music more accessible to platforms that wouldn’t otherwise be able to efficiently license it, we’re helping shape the future of music in tech. Being named to Fast Company’s list affirms the impact our members and their artists have in bringing music to entirely new spaces.”

“For 17 years now, Merlin has secured premium deals with the world’s leading digital platforms for our members. Our mission is to ensure our independent members can compete on a level playing field. With Merlin Connect, we’re expanding our approach by opening up more opportunities for emerging platforms,” said Charlie Lexton, COO of Merlin. “Being named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list again—after first receiving this honor in 2013 under the leadership of Charles Caldas—reflects the evolution of Merlin and our ongoing commitment to driving opportunities for independent music in the digital space. We’re proud to be recognized for this innovation and excited for what’s ahead.”

 

Over the past several months, Merlin Connect has transformed music licensing for digital platforms. Music licensing is often too complex for early-stage and non-music companies to dedicate resources to navigate. Merlin created a streamlined, API-driven licensing solution that removes barriers and enables platforms to integrate independent music seamlessly. Since launching in mid 2024, Merlin Connect has received dozens of applications from companies looking to access quality music—without the longstanding red tape. The first licensed platform was a global enterprise AI company, and interest continues to grow across industries eager to harness the power of music.

 

But Merlin Connect is more than a licensing deal, it’s an innovation hub, a growth engine, and a strategic partner invested in each platform’s success. This innovative approach has positioned Merlin and its members as leaders in music and technology collaboration, ensuring independent music plays a vital role in the next wave of digital innovation.

 

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. 

 

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.” 

 

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25. 

 

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.