Spotify Expands AI Music Platform Through Merlin Partnership

by News Editor

August 5, 2026

Spotify is expanding its upcoming AI-powered music remix and covers platform through a new partnership with Merlin, bringing more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors into the initiative.

The agreement follows Spotify’s earlier collaboration with Universal Music Group and broadens the catalogue of artists who can choose to participate in the platform.

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AI With Artist Permission

Unlike AI services that generate entirely synthetic songs, Spotify says its new product is designed around licensed music and artist consent.

The platform will allow fans to create AI-generated covers and remixes using music from participating artists, while ensuring creators are credited and compensated for the use of their work.

A New Revenue Opportunity

Spotify plans to launch the feature as a paid add-on, creating an additional source of income for artists who choose to make their catalogues available.

An initial research preview will be rolled out to a limited group of users, although the company has not announced a launch date.

A Different Approach To AI Music

The announcement comes as AI-generated music continues to grow rapidly across streaming platforms. Rather than competing with services that create entirely new songs, Spotify is positioning its product as a licensed ecosystem that allows fans to interact with existing music while keeping artists involved in the creative and commercial process.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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