Biography of Troy Carter: Founder of Q&A & Atom Factory -Entrepreneur
Troy Carter: A Journey of Talent Management and Entrepreneurship
Early Life and Beginnings
Troy Carter was born on November 14, 1972, in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Raised in a city known for its rich cultural history, Carter
attended Huey Elementary and Sayre Middle School in West Philadelphia. However,
his true passion for music and entertainment led him to make a bold decision at
a young age. In 1990, Carter dropped out of West Philadelphia High School to
follow his dreams in the music industry.
Starting His Career in the Entertainment Industry
Carter’s journey into the music world began when he worked
at Overbrook Entertainment, founded by Will Smith and James Lassiter. Here, he
learned the ropes of managing talent and contributing to the entertainment
industry. His early work laid a solid foundation for his future in talent
management, particularly in the music scene.
Breakthrough at Bad Boy Entertainment
In 1995, Carter moved to Bad Boy Entertainment, one of the
most influential record labels in hip-hop, where he worked alongside major
artists like The Notorious B.I.G. This experience gave him crucial industry
insights and opened the door to a broader network of talent, setting the stage
for his future successes.
Founding Erving Wonder and Managing New Talent
In 1999, Carter took a significant step in his career by
managing the rapper Eve Jeffers. He co-founded his own management company,
Erving Wonder, where he represented several emerging artists, including Floetry
and Nelly. Erving Wonder’s success led to its acquisition by the Sanctuary
Group in 2004, further solidifying Carter’s reputation as a rising star in the
talent management world.
Managing Lady Gaga and Building a Brand
In 2007, Carter was introduced to Lady Gaga, a relationship
that would define his career. That same year, he also founded Coalition Media
Group, which eventually evolved into the management division called Atom
Factory. Under his leadership, Atom Factory helped launch Lady Gaga into global
stardom, while also managing other notable artists like John Legend and Greyson
Chance.
Expansion with Atom Factory
In 2010, Carter founded Atom Factory, a talent management
and media production company, marking a new chapter in his career. With Atom
Factory, he expanded his reach in the music industry, managing a diverse roster
of talent, including Priyanka Chopra, Mindless Behavior, and Lindsey Stirling.
Atom Factory’s focus was on building successful careers and utilizing emerging
digital platforms for brand growth.
Pioneering in Technology and Investments
Carter’s vision went beyond music. In 2011, he co-founded
Backplane, a Silicon Valley startup aimed at creating social platforms around
shared interests. His desire to blend technology with entertainment also led to
the creation of A \ IDEA in 2012, a product development and branding agency. In
the same year, he launched AF Square, an angel fund that invested in numerous
startup companies, including Spotify, Warby Parker, and Uber.
Diving into the Startup World
Troy Carter’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to investments
in high-potential startups. As part of AF Square, he made early investments in
some of the most successful companies of the 21st century, including Dropbox,
Lyft, Spotify, and Warby Parker. His ability to spot promising startups in
their infancy helped him establish a diverse and thriving investment portfolio.
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Creating POPwater and Diversifying
In addition to his work in music and tech, Carter also
ventured into the beverage industry with the creation of POPwater, a refreshing
soda alternative. His willingness to explore new business avenues reflected his
broader vision of creating innovative products and building successful brands
across various sectors.
Building a Reputation in the Music Industry
By now, Carter had become a prominent figure in both the
entertainment and tech industries. His work in managing high-profile artists
and his tech-driven approach to talent management made him a respected leader.
He was instrumental in helping artists leverage social media platforms like
Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to grow their audiences and build their brands.
Contribution to the Prince Estate
In 2017, Carter took on the role of Entertainment Advisor to
the Prince Estate, lending his expertise in music management and entertainment
to preserve and promote the legacy of the legendary musician. His involvement
with the Prince Estate further solidified his reputation as a key player in the
entertainment industry.
Advising and Leading in the Tech Space
Carter’s influence extended beyond music and entertainment,
particularly in the tech space. He served as a trustee for several prestigious
organizations, including The Aspen Institute, Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
and CalArts. His work in both the entertainment and tech worlds allowed him to
advise startups and guide them toward growth and success.
Building Q&A and Pushing Boundaries
In 2019, Carter founded Q&A, a technology and media
company that focuses on music distribution, services, and data analytics. As
CEO, he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in the
intersection of music and technology, building a platform to help artists
manage their business and grow their audiences in the digital age.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Carter’s legacy as a talent manager, investor, and
entrepreneur is marked by his innovative approach to business. His work in both
music and tech, as well as his investments in successful startups, has made him
a highly influential figure. He has helped shape the careers of some of the
world’s biggest stars while building an empire that spans across industries.
Social Impact and Board Memberships
Beyond business, Carter has made a significant impact
through his involvement in various charitable organizations. He serves as a
trustee for The Grammy Foundation, the T.J. Martell Foundation, and the United
Nations Foundation Global Entrepreneurs Council, among others. His
philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the
community and supporting meaningful causes.
The Future of Troy Carter
As of now, Carter continues to innovate and lead in the
worlds of music, technology, and entrepreneurship. His journey from a music
manager to a tech entrepreneur and investor has been one of constant evolution.
With a keen eye for talent and a passion for innovation, Troy Carter’s future
looks as bright as his past.
Timeline for story
November 14, 1972: Troy Carter is born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
1990: Drops out of West Philadelphia High School to pursue a
career in music.
1993: Works at Overbrook Entertainment, learning talent
management.
1995: Joins Bad Boy Entertainment, working with major
artists like The Notorious B.I.G.
1999: Co-founds Erving Wonder, managing emerging artists
like Eve and Nelly.
2004: Erving Wonder is acquired by Sanctuary Group.
2007: Meets Lady Gaga, co-founds Coalition Media Group,
later evolving into Atom Factory.
2010: Establishes Atom Factory, expanding his influence in
talent management.
2011: Co-founds Backplane, a social platform startup.
2012: Launches A IDEA and AF Square, investing in startups
like Spotify, Uber, and Warby Parker.
2014: Ventures into the beverage industry with POPwater.
2017: Becomes Entertainment Advisor to the Prince Estate.
2019: Found Q&A, a tech and media company for music
distribution and analytics.
Present: Continues leading in music, technology, and
entrepreneurship.
