GoldState hires ex-HarbourView exec Rabih Aouad as Principal to lead investments in tech, services and other music-related businesses

US-based music rights investment firm GoldState Music, founded in 2022 by Charles Goldstuck, has appointed Rabih Aouad as Principal, Growth Equity Investments.

According to the company, Aouad will support GoldState’s “growth equity strategy within the global music ecosystem”.

GoldState added that Aouad “will drive investments across music-industry-related businesses, spanning technology, data & analytics, services, and rights ownership, while supporting strategic partner relationships”.

Based in London, he will work globally as GoldState Music continues to expand its international footprint.

Aouad brings a decade of experience in private equity and investment banking.

He was previously a Principal at HarbourView Equity Partners, where he led private equity investments, including the firm’s investment in Paris-based Animaj.

Prior to that, Aouad served in investing roles at Providence Equity Partners and PSG, and in investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Commenting on Aouad’s appointment, GoldState Managing Partner Charles Goldstuck, said: “The global music industry is undergoing a period of continuous transformation, and we believe that there is a significant opportunity for growth-oriented capital to partner with market leaders.”

“The global music industry is undergoing a period of continuous transformation, and we believe that  there is a significant opportunity for growth-oriented capital to partner with market leaders.”

Charles Goldstuck, GoldState

Added Goldstuck: “Rabih’s appointment builds on our commitment to continue investing in the music ecosystem.”

“GoldState is a distinctive platform that combines capital, deep industry insight, and strategic support for music-focused companies.”

Rabih Aouad

Rabih Aouad said: “GoldState is a distinctive platform that combines capital, deep industry insight, and strategic support for music-focused companies.

“I’m excited to work with Charles and the broader  team to help build companies driving innovation across the global music ecosystem.”


GoldState Music’s latest appointment, focused on music-industry-related businesses, arrives less than a year after the firm raised USD $500 million to acquire music rights.

According to the announcement, the strategic capital raise includes “a structured capital facility” co-led by Northleaf Capital Partners and Ares Management funds, as well as “separately raised leverage”.

In August last year, GoldState Music acquired the catalog of Grammy-nominated producer and entrepreneur Yung Lan. The acquisition was described as a “seven-figure deal.”Music Business Worldwide