Who Founded SoundCloud and When
SoundCloud was founded in 2007 by Alexander Ljung, a Swedish entrepreneur, and Eric Wahlforss, a Swedish sound designer and developer. The two launched the platform in Berlin, Germany, with the goal of making it easy for musicians, podcasters, and creators to upload, share, and promote audio content. The company later became one of the most recognized audio platforms in the world, especially among independent artists and electronic music communities.
Alexander Ljung served as the public-facing CEO for many years and represented SoundCloud in major media interviews and industry events. Eric Wahlforss worked behind the scenes as Chief Technology Officer and focused on product development, user experience, and platform architecture. Together, they built SoundCloud from a small startup into a global audio hosting service used by millions of creators and listeners.
How SoundCloud Grew and Changed Ownership
SoundCloud raised several large funding rounds from major investors, including early backing from Union Square Ventures, Ashton Kutcher, and others. The platform grew quickly, attracting both independent creators and major record labels, and became a key place for music discovery, remix culture, and podcast distribution. At its peak, SoundCloud was valued at several billion dollars and competed directly with other major audio and music platforms.
In 2017, SoundCloud faced serious financial difficulties and announced layoffs while searching for new investors. The company later secured new funding from Tencent Holdings and other investors, which helped stabilize operations and avoid shutdown. Today, SoundCloud remains an independent audio platform, though its ownership structure has changed multiple times since the original founders stepped back from day-to-day leadership.
What the SoundCloud Founders Are Doing Now
Alexander Ljung stepped down as CEO in 2019 after years of leading the company through rapid growth and restructuring. He has since focused on other ventures and private investments, while remaining linked to the broader creator economy and digital media space. Eric Wahlforss also left his executive role at SoundCloud and has continued working in technology and product development, with involvement in startups and digital tools for creators.
Both founders are now widely referenced in discussions about European tech startups, creator platforms, and the evolution of online audio. SoundCloud itself continues to operate as a major platform for independent musicians, DJs, podcasters, and audio creators. The company remains a notable case study in how founder-led platforms can scale globally while navigating funding challenges, competition, and changing user expectations in the digital media industry.