What is Scooter Braun's Net Worth?
Scooter Braun is an American music manager with a net worth of $500 million. His career skyrocketed after discovering Justin Bieber on YouTube in 2006 when Bieber was just 12. Leveraging Bieber's success, Braun built a multifaceted empire that includes artist management, song catalog investments, and more. In April 2021, he sold his music investment firm, Ithaca Holdings, to a South Korean conglomerate for $1 billion.
Justin Bieber Discovery
Following his discovery of Justin Bieber, who transitioned from a teen sensation to a global superstar under Braun's guidance, Braun became a pioneer in using social media for artist development. This set a new standard for talent discovery and career growth.
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Early Life
Scooter was born Scott Samuel Braun in New York, New York, on June 18, 1981. A successful athlete and award-winning filmmaker during his school years, Braun attended Emory University, where he began organizing notable parties. These events led him to work with high-profile celebrities and eventually become the executive director of marketing at Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Records.
Career Beginnings
Left Emory University during his junior year to focus on his career. He managed events for the NBA and Britney Spears' Onyx Hotel Tour. One notable early success was a $12 million promotional partnership between Ludacris and Pontiac.
SB Projects
Braun's company, SB Projects, manages a diverse roster of artists, including Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and J Balvin. The company also ventures into film, TV, and technology, contributing to the entertainment industry's evolution. Braun's futuristic strategies have led his artists to commercial and critical success.
Controversies
Taylor Swift Catalog
One of Braun's most controversial moves was acquiring the rights to Taylor Swift's catalog in 2019. The purchase sparked intense debate about artists' rights and music ownership.
Personal Life
Divorce Settlement
Scooter Braun married philanthropist and health activist Yael Cohen in 2014. They had three children before filing for divorce in July 2021, finalized in September 2022. Braun paid Yael $20 million and $60,000 per month in child support. Yael retained several assets, including a $30+ million Brentwood compound. Braun retained his $65 million mansion, a $40 million private jet, and art valued at over $100 million.
Real Estate
Over the years, Braun has made significant real estate investments. In 2014, he and Yael spent $13.1 million on a Brentwood mansion, and later bought a neighboring house for $18 million from John Travolta and Kelly Preston. He has also sold properties in Montecito and Austin, and in 2021, bought a $65 million Brentwood mansion.
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Ithaca Holdings LLC
In 2010, Braun launched Ithaca Holdings LLC, raising $120 million in venture funds from firms like Spotify and Uber. The Carlyle Group became a minority investor in 2017, and in 2019, they injected another major round of funds, valuing Ithaca at $800 million. Ithaca owns ventures across television, film, and technology.
Sale of Taylor Swift Catalog
In June 2019, Braun acquired Big Machine Records for $300-$350 million, thus becoming the owner of Taylor Swift's first six albums. Swift publicly condemned the acquisition, declaring her intent to re-record her masters. In November 2020, Braun sold Swift's catalog to Shamrock Capital, reportedly for a higher amount. Despite being offered equity in her catalog, Swift declined due to clauses benefiting Braun.
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