Hi, I’m Dan Steiny. As a creativity-driven leader in Platform and Product Business Development, I specialize in forging partnerships at the intersection of technology, media, and innovation. With over 20 years of experience, I have a proven track record of building partner ecosystems that drive growth and product innovation. I am passionate about developing products, platform, and partnerships that ensure publishers and creators are fairly credited and compensated, particularly within the generative AI landscape.
My journey includes working in business and product development for Fortune 500 companies like Sony, Motorola, and Harman/Samsung, as well as dynamic media startups such as MediaNet Digital, Liquid Audio, and SoundHound.AI.
What I Do at DS Digital:
- Fractional Business Development: Unlocking revenue streams and expanding market opportunities tailored to your unique needs.
- Platform & Product Partnerships: Developing content ecosystems through strategic alliances that drive engagement and profitability, ensuring equitable compensation for all contributors.
- Content Acquisition, Distribution & Licensing: Securing high-value partnerships and IP agreements that enhance your offerings.
My Approach
I leverage my global network and expertise to help businesses grow through dynamic partnerships. I can support your organization at any stage of the business development journey, whether you need focused assistance in a specific area or comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process. My offerings include:
Strategy
- Strategic Planning: Collaborating to define your goals and objectives for partnership growth.
- Market Research: Analyzing market trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities.
- Product-Market Fit: Ensuring your offerings meet market demands and customer needs.
- Value Proposition Development: Crafting compelling propositions that resonate with potential partners.
Engagement
- Outreach: Engaging with potential partners through targeted outreach efforts.
- Term Development: Defining key terms and conditions to establish solid partnerships.
- Negotiation: Utilizing skilled negotiation tactics to secure favorable partnership terms.
Execution
- Implementation: Executing partnership strategies and providing ongoing support to ensure success.
I am here to assist you with any of these stages, tailoring my approach to align with your vision and objectives.
Recent engagements include:
- Manifest UX (Product Strategy. Design. Experience.)
- Native Voice.AI (All you favorite voice assistances in one place.)
- GenUI (Trusted partners in software development.)
- The Underground Group (Authentic content. Compelling Stories.)
- Wcities (Connect. Explore. Discover.)
- US Market Access Center (Your gateway to the US.)
- UC Berkeley’s stEP startup program (Student Entrepreneurship Program.)
DAN STEINY NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Drawing from a proven track record of negotiating over a hundred content acquisition, distribution, and technology licenses, I’ve supported numerous startups and Fortune 500 companies in pioneering content-focused products and services.
✅ SoundHound.AI: Led content and data partnerships for SoundHound.AI, a trailblazer in the AI audio and music space (IPO during tenure).
✅ JBL & Google/YouTube Music: Orchestrated a multi-million global co-marketing partnership between JBL Smart Speakers and Google/YouTube Music, a first-of-kind for Harman International.
✅ Sony VAIO: Managed software partnerships and integration for Sony’s groundbreaking VAIO, the company’s first-ever consumer computer.
✅ Liquid Audio: Directed product management & business development for Liquid Audio, the first online platform legally selling digital music (IPO during tenure).
✅ MediaNet: Directed strategic partnership management for MediaNet, the first major label-owned digital music streaming company.
✅ Live365: Drove business development with Live365, a pioneer in pure-play streaming radio.
✅ PBS Home Video: Managed content partnerships with PBS Home Video under Pacific Arts, overseeing PBS’s first entry into the retail market (Pacific Arts was founded by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees fame).
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FIRSTS
Drawing from a proven track record of negotiating over a hundred content acquisition, distribution, and technology licenses, I’ve supported numerous startups and Fortune 500 companies in pioneering content-focused products and services.
✅ SoundHound.AI: Led content and data partnerships for SoundHound.AI, a trailblazer in the AI audio space (IPO during tenure).
✅ JBL & Google/YouTube Music: Orchestrated a multi-million global co-marketing partnership between JBL Smart Speakers and Google/YouTube Music, a first-of-kind for Harman International.
✅ Sony VAIO: Managed software partnerships and integration for Sony’s groundbreaking VAIO, the company’s first-ever consumer computer.
✅ Liquid Audio: Directed product management & business development for Liquid Audio, the first online platform legally selling digital music (IPO during tenure).
✅ MediaNet: Directed strategic partnership management for MediaNet, the first major label-owned digital music streaming company.
✅ Live365: Drove business development with Live365, a pioneer in pure-play streaming radio.
✅ PBS Home Video: Managed content partnerships with PBS Home Video under Pacific Arts, overseeing PBS’s first entry into the retail market (Pacific Arts was founded by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees fame).
INDUSTRY & DOMAIN EXPERIENCE
✅ Streaming Content: Audio, Music, Entertainment, Media, OTT, Publishing.
✅ Artificial Intelligence (AI): Virtual Assistants, Generative AI, LLM, Speech Recognition, Machine Learning.
✅ SaaS: Content Services & Applications, Data Platforms.
✅ Consumer Electronics: Connected Car/Automotive, Mobile & IoT.
✅ Content Creator: Songwriter, Screenwriter, and Performing Musician
Content Acquisition expertise spans collaborations with diverse entities, including news organizations, publishers, streaming music providers, radio stations, data providers, online video/film/TV platforms, audiobook distributors, podcasts, gaming companies, mobile app developers, and software providers. I’ve applied this skill set at industry giants like Sony, HP, Motorola, and Harman International (a Samsung company), as well as at pioneering AI startups such as SoundHound.AI and Native Voice.AI, and at video distributor Pacific Arts/PBS Home Video.
Content Distribution experience includes partnering with manufacturers of PCs/notebooks, IoT, mobile devices, consumer electronics, and the connected car. I’ve done this work for Harman International, MediaNet Digital, Live365, and Liquid Audio.
Whether you’re an AI platform navigating data licensing, a CE hardware or SaaS leader seeking business development support, or a content creator/aggregator aiming for broader distribution, I invite you to connect. With my extensive experience and network, I can not only help you build your business but also connect you with trusted professionals and companies in product development, UX design, content development, marketing, PR, or legal guidance. Together, we can explore collaborative opportunities that drive transformative change and innovation in the dynamic worlds of technology and media.
Dan has successfully forged and managed partnerships with a variety of distinguished companies, including:
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