Brian Richards

Brian Richards is the Founder and Managing Partner of Artisan, a prominent investment bank specializing in the music and entertainment industries.12 He established Artisan in 2016 to provide advisory services and make investments in media and entertainment sectors.3

Professional Background

Prior to founding Artisan, Brian was the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at MESA, another premier investment bank focusing on media and entertainment industries. MESA was acquired by Houlihan Lokey in 2015.2 Before his time at MESA, Brian worked as a strategy consultant for the media and entertainment industries at Price Waterhouse.1

Education

Brian holds impressive academic credentials:

• MBA from The Wharton School
• JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School
• BA from Tufts University12

Expertise and Accomplishments

At Artisan, Brian works with high-profile publishers, labels, artists, and songwriters to monetize their rights or raise capital for acquisition strategies. The firm has completed over 40 transactions in the music industry in recent years, with capabilities across catalog deals, M&A, equity and debt financings, and structured finance.1

Career Timeline

• January 2016 - Present: Founder and Managing Partner at Artisan
• May 2001 - June 2015: Co-Founder and Managing Partner at MESA
• July 1998 - July 2000: Strategy Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers2

Brian Richards has established himself as a leading figure in the media and entertainment investment banking sector, with a particular focus on the music industry.