WIN and IMPALA announce collaboration to develop a new EU co-funded networking programme with WINHUB events

WIN and IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, are joining forces on a new WINHUB project, part of IMPALA’s new programme of work co-funded by the EU for the next four years. This collaboration will amplify WINHUB’s reach with an exclusive community platform and new events designed to enhance global connections and export opportunities for independent music businesses.

Launched in 2022, WINHUB is WIN’s international networking project connecting the independent recorded music community around the world via a combination of its online platform and real-world events. Since then, more than 1100 professionals have networked in successful gatherings at key music hubs like New York (USA), Guadalajara (Mexico), Valdivia (Chile), and Sofia (Bulgaria) as well as online meetings with members of trade associations from 43 territories across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia.

A key focus of this new initiative will be networking events fostering practical cross-border relationships and collaboration between Europe and the rest of the world. The first of these events, WINHUB Iberoamérica, will take place online on April 24 and will create business opportunities between European professionals from Portugal and Spain and their counterparts in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. A second event scheduled for autumn will focus on Eastern Europe to further integrate these dynamic markets with the global independent music landscape.

“With the support of IMPALA and the EU, we are building a truly interconnected global network that empowers independent music businesses to thrive across borders. By providing new resources and opportunities for engagement, this initiative will amplify export capacity and foster deeper collaboration between Europe and other territories. We are very excited to enter this new phase of WINHUB, expanding our community and strengthening the connections that drive the global independent music sector forward.”
Nerea Serrano, WIN Community & Projects Manager

“We’re excited to kick off this scheme and see WINHUB become a valuable part of our global collaboration activities as a recognised EU cultural network. WINHUB is a great opportunity for European music businesses to grow, connect and collaborate with their peers globally. By supporting cross-border partnerships and knowledge sharing, this scheme aims to help strengthen the sector’s diversity and competitiveness, ensuring independent businesses can thrive in a global market.”
Karla Rogožar, IMPALA Network Development, Sustainability and Project Manager

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA.