Splice (platform)

Splice

Company type	Private
Industry	Music technology
Founded	2013
Founder	Matt Aimonetti, Steve Martocci
Headquarters	United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Music samples library, subscription-based audio plugins, digital audio workstation compatibility
Website	https://splice.com

Splice is a cloud-hosted platform dedicated to music creation, established by Matt Aimonetti and Steve Martocci. It provides a vast library of samples, subscription-based audio plugins, and seamless compatibility with various digital audio workstations (DAWs). The platform is accessible on MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

History

Splice initially introduced its MacOS Studio in a private beta phase in October 2013, followed by the release of a Windows version and a public launch in September 2014. Splice Studio facilitates remote collaboration through cloud technology and integrates with widely used DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, GarageBand, and Studio One.

In 2015, the company launched Splice Sounds, a subscription-driven marketplace for samples. The subsequent year saw the introduction of Rent-To-Own, a payment model allowing users to acquire premium synthesizers and plugins through monthly installments, with options to fully own or upgrade without paying the entire cost upfront. This approach expanded in 2017 to encompass software like Ozone 8 and Neutron 2, making advanced music production tools more accessible.

The year 2019 marked the debut of Splice’s AI-powered Similar Sounds feature designed to improve sample discovery via machine learning. Later that year, mobile applications were made available for both iOS and Android platforms.

In 2020, Splice established the Splice Awards to honor artists and creators in categories such as Producer of the Year and Best Sound Design, while also spotlighting the platform’s most downloaded content.

June 2021 brought the launch of Skills and Connected Instruments alongside new Creator Plans. In May 2022, Steve Martocci transitioned from CEO to executive chairman and chief strategy officer roles; Kakul Srivastava was appointed as the new CEO.

Splice announced the discontinuation of its Studio collaboration service in March 2023. In April 2025, it expanded its presence in AI-enhanced music production by acquiring UK-based music technology firm Spitfire Audio.

Funding

In October 2013, Splice secured $2.75 million in seed capital led by Union Square Ventures with contributions from True Ventures, Lerer Ventures, SV Angel, First Round Capital, among others. The following year, it raised $4.5 million in a Series A round spearheaded by True Ventures with investors including Scooter Braun, Tiësto, and WME. A $35 million Series B funding round led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson occurred in 2017. In 2019, Splice completed a Series C raise of $57.7 million co-led by Union Square Ventures and True Ventures with participation from DFJ Growth, Flybridge, Lerer Hippeau, LionTree, and Founders Circle Capital. February 2021 saw a $55 million Series D round led by Goldman Sachs and Music bringing total investment above $150 million and valuation near half a billion dollars.

Commercial usage

Samples from Splice have been widely utilized in commercially successful music tracks. Notably, Zedd & Grey’s "The Middle" featuring Maren Morris—incorporating sounds from Grey’s Singular Sounds label on Splice—earned three Grammy nominations along with triple platinum status in 2018. Other Top 40 charting songs using Splice samples include Ariana Grande’s “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored,” Lil Nas X’s “Panini,” Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” Bad Bunny’s “Dakiti,” and Shane Codd’s "Get Out My Head."

In February 2020, Justin Bieber’s "Running Over" featured a sample from UK producer Laxcity sourced via Splice. Although Asher Monroe accused Bieber of copying the melody from his 2019 track "Synergy," the contested sound was part of the same royalty-free Laxcity sample pack accessible on Splice.

On April 11, 2024, Sabrina Carpenter released "Espresso," which includes multiple loops from Oliver’s "Power Tools Sample Pack III" available on Splice. This release underscores Splice’s significant role in modern music production through its readily available sample collections.