11 June 2009 | Author: Katie Todd

Founders to move on from Last.fm

Seven years after creating music recommendation site Last.fm, founders Richard Jones, Martin Stiksel and Felix Miller are stepping down from the company.

In a joint statement, the three founders said: "The time is right to begin the process of handing over the reins."

Two years ago, Last.fm was bought by media company CBS and has since enjoyed an explosion of popularity as users flock to make the most of its social networking capabilities and the opportunity to explore new music recommendations based on their existing tastes.

The triumvirate decided, however, after seven years with Last.fm, that it is time to move on to other projects. The Guardian reports that Stiksel said: "It wasn't an easy decision and not something we did at the drop of a hat, but we've left with Last.fm on a solid footing.

"Actually the company might do better without these crazy founder dudes hanging around. From a fatherly perspective the main work has been done in getting ready to pass the baton."

Although the founders will officially step down at the end of this month, they will remain at Last.fm for a further three months in advisory roles. Following this, they hope to pursue new projects - whilst keeping music a strong part of their future plans.

It doesn't seem likely, however, that these plans will include the internet. According to The Guardian, Miller said: "Maybe we'll open a music venue.

"The internet is in its infancy. Music online is a very interesting space but we don't have any concrete plans. I'd be lying if I said I was excited by everything happening on the internet - there are only really a few other very quality sites."

Recently, Last.fm fell under scrutiny as it was alleged that the company had passed on user behavioural data to the Record Industry Association of America. Jones, however, rejected the allegations as "full of shit".

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