Private Equity Firm Completes Purchase of Native Instruments

native-instruments acquired

Tech-focused private equity firm Francisco Partners announced today it had completed the acquisition of Berlin-based Native Instruments, a global manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based audio production and DJing.

Financial details surrounding the transaction were not disclosed.

As part of the terms of the acquisition, investors EMH Partners and the founding shareholders will remain onboard as minority shareholders.

Founded in 1996, NI currently employees 400 staffers in seven offices worldwide.

Obligatory press release gush from Constantin Koehncke, CEO of Native Instruments: “There’s never been a more exciting time in music, with more creators producing more high-quality music all around the world. We’re thrilled to team up with Francisco Partners to enter the next phase of our journey, combining their global resources and expertise with our passionate team, deep relationships within music and proven track record of technical innovation. Together we can realize our mission to empower and inspire the global community of music creators and help them to unlock their creative potential.”

Obligatory press release gush from Matt Spetzler, co-head Europe and partner at Francisco Partners: “As an innovator in digital music creation, with a supreme brand recognition and outstanding software technology, Native Instruments is a perfect platform and partner for Francisco Partners. We look forward to working together with the management team and the existing shareholder group, utilizing our broad operational and strategic experience and M&A capabilities to help the company accelerate its growth trajectory.”

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Di Saronno January 2021 Chart

DJ-Frank-Di-Saronno

1. Di Saronno Meets Gangs Of Naples – Way Down Yonder – Fogbank
2. Di Saronno – Money Hustle – InStereo Recordings
3. Di Saronno – Lady With The Mask – Glasgow Underground
4. Houseswingers – Got Some Lovin’ – Launch Entertainment
5. Houseswingers – Swing In My Head – CRMS
6. DuBeats, Bondar – Through Change – Glasgow Underground
7. Paul Rudder – Mind Drifting – Shall Not Fade
8. Blaze feat. Palmer Brown – Do You Remember House? (Harry Romero Remix) Slip’N’Slide
9. AFAMoo – Jazz In My House – Nurvous
10. Jazzman Wax, Fred Dekker – USB Girl – Robsoul

DJs, submit your top 10 chart along with a photo and we’ll publish.

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Joseph Capriati Hospitalized After Father Stabs Him in Chest

joseph-capriati stabbed

Revered Italian techno DJ/producer/remixer Joseph Capriati has been hospitalized in Caserta, Italy, after being stabbed by his father.

According to reports, Capriati, who lives in Spain, and other members of his family got into an argument on Friday night. The situation escalated, and Capriati was violently stabbed in the chest by his father, 61, with a kitchen knife.

His father reportedly does not have a criminal record.

Capriati, 33, is currently hospitalized in serious condition at Azienda Ospedaliera Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano di Caserta.

More on this breaking story as it develops.

Image via Facebook

No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.



DJs React To Pro-Trump Protesters Storming Capitol Hill

U.S. Capitol

DJs including Kevin Saunderson, Dave Clarke, The Blessed Madonna, Derrick Carter, Stanton Warriors and Eli Goldstein from Soul Clap took to social media yesterday to react to supporters of President Donald Trump breaching the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers tabulated the Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win.

What should have been a ceremonial formality turned into a deadly event that has shaken America to its foundation.

Elected officials had to be evacuated by security to avoid the violent mob who stormed the Capitol. Incited by Trump at a rally held nearby at the Washington Mall, the mob’s goal was to disrupt the certification of the election results.

Trump said at the rally, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol. And we’re gonna cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. And we’re probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, because you’ll never take back our country with weakness, you have to show strength and you have to be strong.”

The President said he would meet protestors at the Capitol. Instead, he reportedly watched the violence unfold on TV.

One woman was shot and killed by police in the chaos. Three others died from “medical emergencies” that officials have yet to explain.

Congress reconvened in the evening and confirmed Biden’s win in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Here’s a selection of tweets from DJs about the sickening events that took place yesterday. Continue Reading