Lead-In Record Co. Receives IMPACT Fund Award!
The Equity | Impact Center is excited to announce that Maximillian Obasiolu, founder of Lead-In Record Co., has been awarded a 2025 IMPACT Fund award. The IMPACT Fund supports entrepreneurs who are building innovative, socially responsible ventures, and Maximillian’s work is a powerful example of that mission in action.
A former jazz trombonist and experienced artist manager, Maximillian is also a dual master’s graduate from Carnegie Mellon University in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Engineering & Technology Innovation Management. He founded Lead-In to reimagine vinyl record manufacturing by developing robotic solutions that make production faster, more affordable, and more accessible for independent artists. Lead-In will reduce the typical record manufacturing timeline from six months to just one week, unlocking new opportunities for small-scale and underrepresented musicians.
Maximillian is part of a growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs leveraging technology for social impact, and we’re excited to invest in his journey. The IMPACT Fund award will support Lead-In’s next phase of growth, covering key hardware prototyping, engineering, and operational expenses. Maximillian, an alumnus of the PEER Fellowship program, plans to give back by partnering with the Equity Impact Center’s SCALE Fellowship to manufacture records for artists in the program. “The mission of SCALE aligns perfectly with ours,” Maximillian shared. “We’re both working to lower barriers and build tools that empower artists to thrive on their own terms.”
“We know support to our community cannot end when our programs end, so we launched the IMPACT Fund to continue to provide resources and strategic support to our alumni community, especially those like Maximillian, who have continued to support our work and the EIC community at large.” shared Leigh Solomon Pugliano, President & CEO of the Equity | Impact Center.
Follow and support Lead-In: @LeadInRecordsCo
Looking for ways to invest in the community and make an impact? Make a donation to the IMPACT Fund.
Announcing our New Partnership between the SCALE Fellowship and The Original Pittsburgh Winery!
The Original Pittsburgh Winery and SCALE Fellowship Program are thrilled to announce a new music series launching this spring, designed to spotlight local artists while fostering a vibrant, community-driven creative scene. This partnership blends the rich, soulful ambiance of The Original Pittsburgh Winery’s Cellar performance space with the mission of the SCALE Fellowship—a dynamic initiative that supports creative entrepreneurs on their journey to sustainable creative careers. The series, designed to raise awareness and funds for future SCALE programming, will feature curated performances by SCALE Fellows and local musicians, offering audiences a unique experience that combines artistry, storytelling, and community connection.
The series kicks off on May 14th, with additional shows scheduled for August 13th and December 17th. Each event will feature live performances, artist spotlights, and opportunities for networking and community connection.
“We’re excited to partner with SCALE to create a space for emerging voices,” said Tim Gaber, owner of The Original Pittsburgh Winery. “Supporting local musicians is part of our mission, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our community.”
“This collaboration is about more than just great music,” said Leigh Solomon Pugliano, Creator and Director of the SCALE Fellowship program. “It’s about building a platform where artists are not just recognized for their talent, but supported in their entrepreneurial journey and celebrated for their cultural impact.”
The series launches with MAY FLOWERS: A Tribute to Legendary Black Women in Music, featuring performances by SCALE alum Erika Denae J. and Anita Levels with musical interludes by DJ Femi.
MAY FLOWERS will also feature an incredible lineup of musicians including:
Joe Sheehan
James Johnson III
Mike Hugo
Denzel Chismar
Sean Baker
Jevon Rushton
Glyn Lloyd Jr.
Tickets for the first show are available now at pittsburghwinery.com. Proceeds benefit the SCALE Fellowship program.
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