Global Entrepreneurship Week | USW Supports Bhutanese Musician’s Journey from Student to Record Label Founder

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (17–23 November) and this year’s theme “Together We Build,” the USW is proud to highlight the entrepreneurial achievements of Karma, a Bhutanese hip-hop artist (artistic name Datako), producer and founder of a new independent record label The Lingpa Entertainment championing emerging creative talent.

Karma grew up in Bhutan and had never travelled outside his home country before moving to Cardiff to study MA Songwriting and Production at USW. He describes the transition as transformative. 

“Everything was new to me—the country, the culture, even the pace of life,” he says. “But USW made me feel like I belonged here. I never felt alone.” 

He credits the university’s staff for helping him settle quickly: 

“The support was unbelievable. My international adviser helped me with things I didn’t even know I needed. My lecturers took time to understand my goals. They didn’t just teach—they encouraged, pushed and supported me.” 

During his master’s degree, Karma began to explore the idea of building a career that blended creativity with entrepreneurship. “I was in the dream state, you know, like I almost pinched myself. This was exactly what I wanted. And in terms of experiences and production, it really, opened my eyes because. I mean, this was like a missing puzzle, was exactly what I wanted. And I mean, like, I've never missed a single class”. 

The music business module gave him clarity about how the industry works, introducing him to everything from label operations to royalties and distribution. Guest lectures from industry professionals were, he says, “mind-opening.” This sparked the idea of creating his own independent record label—a platform that could release his music and support artists globally, particularly those from smaller music cultures like Bhutan. But he admits the idea felt overwhelming. 

“I’m an artist. I had never run a business. The thought of doing it alone was scary,” he says. “I didn’t even know where to start.” 

Everything changed when he became a member of Startup Stiwdio, USW’s entrepreneurial hub. He describes this step as a turning point.  Karma took part in the 8 week business development workshop, where he created a business model. 

The Stiwdio team helped him refine his business idea, understand legal structures, and register his company in the UK. They supported him with visa documentation for his up-and-coming tour in Australia, explained financial processes, and guided him through the practical steps of becoming a business owner. 

Their support extended well beyond administration. Through personalised training, workshops and guest speakers, Karma learned how to market his music, approach PR, develop branding, price merchandise, and pitch to radio and media. 

“The training sessions changed the way I think,” he says. “They taught me that being an artist is also about being a leader, a planner, a businessperson.” 

Startup Stiwdio also connected him with networks that helped him grow his confidence. 

“They introduced me to people I never imagined I could talk to—producers, managers, promoters. That exposure was huge for me,” he says. “It made everything feel real.” 

With this support, Karma launched his label. His growing self-belief paved the way for an extraordinary milestone: his first international tour in Australia, where he also launched his first line of branded merchandise. 

“Selling my merch for the first time was emotional,” he says. “I remember holding the first T-shirt and thinking, ‘I built this. This is mine.’” 

He adds: “That moment told me I was on the right path. Everything I learned at USW was paying off.” 

Looking ahead, Karma has ambitious plans to expand his label and support artists across the world. 

“I want to build a global creative family,” he says. “Somewhere artists can grow, collaborate and feel supported—just like I did at USW.” 

He reflects on his journey with gratitude: “USW and Startup Stiwdio didn’t just help me start a business,” he says. “They helped me discover who I could become.” 

The Lingpa Entertainment

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