Streaming music service Spotify, as well as other companies in the digital music space, might be in a pickle. That's because the music streaming business is "inherently unprofitable," BusinessWeek reports. Since Spotify was founded in 2006, the company has lost $200 million, according to a PrivCo report. While there are rumors of Spotify going public, some investors are worried because the company is not yet profitable. Earlier today, Spotify announced that 10 million people throughout the world are paying for its $9.99 premium service. Last March, it had 6 million subscribers. But Spotify's margins don't improve as the company grows. That's because instead of buying the rights to songs for a flat rate, Spotify spends a fixed portion of its total revenue on royalties. So when Spotify doubles its subscriber base, it's simultaneously doubling the amount it pays for royalties. Investors fear the company can't get ahead of its costs...
