Exclusive: Collective Artists Network Founder & Group CEO Vijay Subramaniam speaks on revolutionising India's creator economy

Vijay Subramaniam

What inspired you to establish the Collective Artists Network, and how did your experience at Globosport help in shaping the vision for it?

Collective Artists Network was born from a desire to streamline and professionalise the business of talent and creativity in India. My time at Globosport was helpful in that it taught me the intricacies of talent management, brand partnerships, and the importance of being aware of the market gap.

You studied to be an engineer but then found a way into talent management through your college band. How did this unconventional journey shape your entrepreneurial outlook?

Coming from an engineering background taught me problem-solving and a structured approach to challenges, but my time in the college band set the tone for my entry in talent and entertainment. It was the bedrock of my career and shaped my creativity, allowing me to balance logic with innovation. It taught me that passion, when coupled with strategy, could lead to extraordinary outcomes.

As a drummer who still plays, how has music continued to influence your life and work?

Music is meditation for me. Playing the drums and learning new instruments is my way to get to mindfulness. It’s a great exercise in rhythm, discipline and I like to think, the importance of timing—all of which translate directly into leadership.

The acquisitions of brands like Under25, Galleri5, and Terribly Tiny Tales have expanded your reach. What factors do you consider before acquiring a brand?

We look for alignment in each business from the perspective of vision and values, scalability, distribution, reach and readiness for technology. Each acquisition is assessed for its ability to bring something unique to the table, whether it’s a niche audience, cutting-edge technology, or creative innovation. We want brands that complement our mission of being at the forefront of the creator economy. I’m very clear that I want to work with founders and leaders who are highly involved in the business and remain operators within the ecosystem.

H.ow does your digital avatar project Kavya Mehra AI reflect the future of talent representation?

Kavya is the experiment to our faith in how technology marries real time storytelling. I’m a big believer in adopting new technology and as the lines between physical and virtual worlds blur, Kavya has the potential to establish the future of digital influencers, offering limitless opportunities for creativity, brand collaboration, and audience connection.

How do you envision the future of the entertainment and influencer economy in India?

The entertainment and influencer economy in India is on the cusp of exponential growth. With increasing digitisation, a younger, tech-savvy audience, and global interest in India, the opportunities are immense. I see a future where the lines between traditional entertainment and digital platforms blur, creating a unified ecosystem driven by storytelling, innovation, and collaboration.

What’s next for Collective Artists Network—are there any new ventures or initiatives in the pipeline?

We’re always looking ahead. Expanding into new markets, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation remain our priorities. We recently opened our new office in the Middle East and are looking to grow that chapter aggressively. For now, we will focus on solidifying our position as a new media powerhouse while nurturing the incredible talent India has to offer.