Omnifone first digital music company selected for Future Fifty

ENGLAND, UK: Omnifone, the leading B2B provider of global cloud-based digital music technology, has been selected as one of the UK's most innovative and market transforming companies by the UK government's Future Fifty programme.

Launched by Chancellor George Osborne and Tech City CEO Joanna Shields, the Future Fifty fast-track programme handpicks the most promising and innovative companies that are likely to generate significant economic benefits for the UK. Future Fifty companies are provided with government and private sector support to accelerate growth, create jobs and reach their full potential.

London-based Omnifone is at the forefront of the booming digital music industry driven by rising consumer demand globally. MusicStation, Omnifone's award winning cloud-based digital media platform, is used by some of the world's largest consumer electronics and media companies.

With a 28 million track music catalogue ingested from labels from all corners of the globe and the widest range of capabilities available in a media application development platform, Omnifone already powers music services in 34 countries.

Jeff Hughes, chief executive, said: "We are thrilled to have been selected for the Future Fifty programme. Having invested heavily in the development of our cloud music platform we are helping disrupt and define the new digital music economy, the fastest growing part of the music industry, and we are starting to see the returns."

"The UK music industry is already a global power and it has long been the biggest per capita exporter of music internationally. With the support of this programme we believe that Omnifone will reach its full potential and achieve a world leading position in this new digital industry. It will allow us to grow into a large scale and long term sustainable business."

Phil Sant, chief engineer and Omnifone co-founder, commented: "Our London base has provided us with access to some of the finest technology and commercial talent in the world. Our location also makes it possible to operate in the heart of the music industry and collaborate with some of the world's best suppliers and universities. As a result we have achieved a hard won reputation for having the most powerful and flexible music application development platform in the market. With access to the support available through the Future Fifty and by leveraging our technology advantage we can scale more rapidly and achieve our goal to excel in many of the newly emerging global markets."

Following a rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of industry experts, investors, advisors and successful entrepreneurs, Omnifone has been welcomed onto the year-long programme. The programme will connect Omnifone with expertise and tailored support to enable it to scale rapidly and lay the foundations for the future success of the industry.