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For Mir Hwang, music wasn’t just a passion — it was a way of life. While studying pre-med at NYU’s College of Arts & Science, Mir was also a touring session drummer, balancing exams by day and live performances by night. It was this rare dual perspective — as both a student and working musician — that gave Mir unique insight into the fractured world of live gig booking. That insight would eventually fuel the creation of GigFinesse, the venture that landed him on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Consumer Technology category.
The Problem Behind the Curtain
As a performing musician, Mir saw firsthand how inefficient and outdated the live booking process was. Artists often had to navigate a web of emails, unreliable contacts, and inconsistent pay—all while trying to grow their careers and maintain financial stability. Venues, on the other hand, struggled to consistently fill rooms, manage logistics, and discover quality talent.
For an industry so dependent on connection and collaboration, there was a surprising lack of tools to make those interactions seamless. Rather than settling for the status quo, Mir envisioned a smarter, more equitable solution that worked for everyone involved.
Building a Platform That Works for Artists and Venues
In 2019, shortly after graduating from NYU, Mir co-founded GigFinesse, a platform designed to reshape the live music experience, with former Googler Ryan Kim. By streamlining the booking process and using data to match artists with venues, GigFinesse helps both sides find the right fit faster—and more fairly.
At its core, GigFinesse uses technology to eliminate middlemen and empower creators. Musicians can apply to perform at venues directly through the platform, while venues gain access to performance history, audience insights, and financial analytics to make informed booking decisions.
Since launching, GigFinesse has expanded into major cities across the U.S., supporting thousands of shows each year and improving venue revenues by an average of 25%.
Giving Back to NYU’s Next Generation of Founders
Even as GigFinesse continues to scale, Mir remains connected to the NYU entrepreneurial community that helped shape his journey. In his role as a Founder In Residence at the Leslie eLab, he coaches and mentors rising student and faculty entrepreneurs.
During NYU’s accelerator programs — including the Startup Sprint and Summer Launchpad — Mir frequently shares his hard-earned insights in Ask-Me-Anything sessions, helping founders navigate the rollercoaster of early-stage startup life. His story, from navigating rehearsal spaces to raising funding rounds, offers students a powerful reminder that innovation can grow from even the most unexpected places.
From NYU to Forbes and Beyond
Mir’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to making the world better for creatives. His background in science, his love for music, and his entrepreneurial drive collided to build a venture that’s transforming how live performances are booked and experienced.
And while his accolades continue to grow, Mir’s greatest impact may just be the one he’s making offstage — mentoring the next wave of NYU founders and showing them that the best ideas often come from solving problems you’ve lived yourself.
To stay up to date on GigFinesse, follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram!
