Focusrite, the British audio interface company that also incorporates the Novation brand, has listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. The ticker symbol is TUNE. Focusrite Plc (public limited company) is the listed entity. The business was established in 1989 by Phil Dudderidge, Executive Chairman, known also for having co-founded Soundcraft in 1973.
Dudderidge commented, “The company has reached its first 25 years of operation; becoming a public company puts the business on a strong corporate foundation, with wider share ownership and access to the capital market. Focusrite proved an attractive investment to institutions who were impressed with the company’s historical performance and its growth strategy.”
Dudderidge attributes Focusrite’s past growth to the company’s aim to offer best-in-class products at each price point, in every category addressed by Focusrite and Novation. “Sound quality, reliability and ease of use are paramount,” said Dudderidge of the Focusrite line while “creative opportunity, innovation and build quality” describe the Novation philosophy.
Dave Froker, formerly General Manager of Digidesign (1996 to 2002), was appointed CEO by Dudderidge in 2012. “Dave and I have been friends in business for 20 years. He was the ideal candidate to succeed me in the CEO position,” stated Dudderidge. Froker commented, “Focusrite is a fantastic company with bright, young and tenacious employees.”
Focusrite employs 114 people in the U.K. and 25 in the U.S. The wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Focusrite Novation Inc., run by Phil Wagner, is a marketing, training and customer-support operation that supports the sales activities of Focusrite’s U.S. distributor, American Music and Sound, Inc.