Sony Corp.'s venture capital arm is backing Roli, the maker of digital musical instruments like the Seaboard that have attracted stars including Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA and Canadian artist Grimes.

CEO Roland Lamb described the funding from the Sony Innovation Fund as a "significant investment and relationship for us," although he declined to disclose the financial terms of the deal. Sony won't take a seat on the board.

The fund will introduce Roli to contacts at the consumer electronics and entertainment giant that could help it expand sales globally, particularly in Asia, Lamb said. "We hope to collaborate with Sony as much as possible."