Amsterdam-based investment fund Pythagoras Music Fund has acquired the music catalogs of songwriter Joe Janiak and the late lyricist Peter Sinfield in two separate deals.
The acquisitions, which the company says include both writers’ shares and publishing rights, add both contemporary pop hits and progressive rock tracks to its portfolio.
Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed.
Janiak has writing and production credits on tracks for Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, Tove Lo, Snakehips, Lewis Capaldi, Noah Cyrus, Kygo and more.
His songs have accumulated billions of streams across platforms and received multiple Platinum and Gold certifications worldwide.
Meanwhile, Sinfield, who passed away in 2024, gained recognition as a founding member and primary lyricist for King Crimson, writing lyrics for tracks including The Court of the Crimson King and Epitaph. He later transitioned into mainstream pop, co-writing The Land of Make Believe for Bucks Fizz and Think Twice, which reached No. 1 globally for Celine Dion.
“Joe Janiak is a remarkable songwriter whose music has reached audiences around the globe.”
Hein Van Der Ree, Pythagoras Music Fund
Hein van der Ree, CEO of Pythagoras Music Fund, said: “Joe Janiak is a remarkable songwriter whose music has reached audiences around the globe.”
“His catalog is a perfect fit for our investment strategy—combining creative excellence with proven commercial performance. We look forward to ensuring these songs continue to thrive for decades to come.”
Greg Federspiel of Hi-Top Music, Janiak’s manager, and attorney Adam Van Straten of Van Straten Solicitors facilitated the Janiak transaction. David Ravden represented Sinfield’s interests in his catalog sale.
“Peter Sinfield was a poet of extraordinary vision whose words transformed music into lasting works of art.”
Hein Van Der Ree, Pythagoras Music Fund
Speaking about the Sinfield deal, van der Ree said: “Peter Sinfield was a poet of extraordinary vision whose words transformed music into lasting works of art.
“His legacy continues to inspire generations of listeners and creators alike. We are honored to steward his catalog and to play a part in preserving his unique contribution to music history.”
Pythagoras said the deals represent its strategy of investing in “culturally relevant, commercially successful music rights with long-term income potential.”
The company, established in 2021, is backed by private and institutional investors who at the time committed €100 million (approx. USD $113 million) to acquire copyrights.
Its first acquisition was 100% of the shares in Dutch music companies Nanada Music and Red Bullet – home to artists including Shocking Blue, Golden Earring and Focus – from Dutch music industry legend Willem van Kooten. Van Kooten passed away in January of this year.
Earlier this year, Pythagoras acquired the music rights catalog of veteran rock producer Kevin Shirley including includes publishing and producer royalties spanning Shirley’s multi-decade career working with rock icons including Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rush, Journey, Joe Bonamassa, and Beth Hart.
In 2022, van der Ree told MBW that the company’s focus is “very much on acquisitions in Europe,” although it has not ruled out acquisitions in the US. In January 2023, the fund purchased the Soulshock and Karlin catalog.
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