Early Life
Alexander Ljung was born in Stockholm, Sweden, where he developed an early fascination with both music and technology. He pursued studies in engineering, later specializing in media technology at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. This academic path allowed him to merge his technical skills with his creative interests, which became the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits. While studying, Ljung met Eric Wahlforss, a fellow musician and technologist, with whom he would eventually launch SoundCloud. Their shared vision was to create a platform that made sharing and collaborating on music as easy as uploading a photo or a video.
Founding SoundCloud
In 2007, Ljung and Wahlforss moved to Berlin, drawn by the city’s vibrant creative and tech scene. There, they founded SoundCloud as a simple way for musicians to upload, share, and comment on audio tracks. Unlike traditional music platforms, SoundCloud emphasized community and interactivity, allowing listeners to leave time-stamped comments directly on tracks. This unique approach quickly resonated with independent artists, DJs, and producers, who flocked to the platform to test new ideas and reach audiences outside of mainstream distribution channels. Ljung served as CEO for a decade, overseeing SoundCloud’s rapid growth into one of the largest music communities in the world. At its peak, the platform hosted over 175 million monthly listeners and became a crucial launching pad for artists like Chance the Rapper, Billie Eilish, and Post Malone. Despite financial challenges and stiff competition from Spotify, Apple Music, and others, SoundCloud carved out a unique role as a discovery engine for new talent. Ljung’s emphasis on openness and creator empowerment distinguished the platform in an increasingly corporate streaming landscape.
SoundCloud Valuation History
Over the years, SoundCloud went through multiple investment rounds that shaped its trajectory and market value. Early funding in 2009 and 2011 helped establish the platform, while later rounds brought in major investors and cemented SoundCloud’s reputation as a music industry disruptor. Valuations have fluctuated over time, reflecting both the company’s growth and its financial challenges:
2009: €2.5 million seed round from Doughty Hanson 2011: $10 million from Union Square Ventures and Index Ventures 2012: $50 million Series C led by Kleiner Perkins and GGV Capital 2014: $60 million round valuing SoundCloud at $700 million 2016: ~$70 million from Twitter, valuation held near $700 million 2017: $169.5 million rescue investment from Raine Group and Temasek 2020: $75 million investment from SiriusXM
Leadership Transition
By 2017, SoundCloud faced mounting financial pressures and rumors of collapse. Ljung stepped down as CEO, though he remained as chairman of the board. His departure marked the end of an era, but the company secured emergency funding and continued operating under new leadership. Ljung’s legacy was not defined by the struggles of those years but by the disruptive model he helped pioneer. Today, SoundCloud remains a cultural landmark, synonymous with grassroots creativity and new music discovery.
Other Ventures
After SoundCloud, Ljung co-founded Pex, a digital rights management startup that helps creators and rights holders track and monetize content across platforms. He has also invested in and advised multiple companies at the intersection of music, media, and technology, continuing his mission to empower creative communities. Ljung remains a well-regarded voice in the global startup ecosystem, known for his insights on innovation, creative culture, and entrepreneurship
