MENA podcast platform Podeo raises $5.4m in series A round

In an era where podcasting is experiencing exponential growth, Podeo, the podcast distribution platform, has successfully raised $5.4m in a Series A funding round to tackle the industry’s greatest challenge: discoverability.

As the global podcast audience surpasses 500 million and the market is projected to expand from $27bn in 2023 to over $234bn by 2030, Podeo’s approach aims to redefine how podcasts are distributed and monetised.

Founded in 2020 by entrepreneurs Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek, Podeo started as a podcast app but quickly evolved into an all-in-one platform that streamlines content creation, distribution, and monetisation.

With a community of over 100,000 creators and a listener base exceeding 50 million, Podeo’s unique distribution strategy transcends traditional streaming platforms, enabling podcasters to reach audiences through an extensive network that includes radio stations, airlines, ride-hailing services, and messaging apps.

“We are committed to empowering creators to become the next generation of global audio stars,” said Stefano Fallaha, founder and CEO of Podeo.

“This funding will amplify our mission and scale our ecosystem across emerging markets, making storytelling limitless.”

Podeo aims to transform podcast ecosystem

Podeo is not just about distribution; it’s about transforming the entire podcasting ecosystem.

The platform integrates advanced AI-driven tools that help creators grow their audiences while providing brands with optimised ad spend opportunities.

According to creators like Mo Islam, host of Saudi Arabia’s premier English podcast, “Podeo is unmatched in elevating our podcast reach through its unique distribution network and monetisation tools.”

The results speak for themselves: creators experience an average boost of 166 per cent in monthly audience growth after migrating to Podeo, highlighting the platform’s effectiveness in breaking through the noise.

Investment to expand global footprint

The latest investment was led by Oraseya Capital, the $136m VC fund of DIEZ (Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority).

Julien Plouzeau, senior partner at Oraseya Capital, said: “Podeo’s unique distribution model is reshaping how creators and advertisers engage with audiences, and we are particularly confident in their ability to scale this successful blueprint across new markets.”

Other investors include Ibtikar Fund and Cedar Mundi Ventures.

These funds will be instrumental in the platform’s plans to expand its global footprint and enhance its AI capabilities, positioning the platform as an indispensable tool for creators navigating the competitive landscape of podcasting.

As the podcast industry embraces a wave of independent voices, the platform is at the forefront of this transformation, driving a 50-fold increase in regional podcast supply in just two years and enabling a six-fold revenue surge in the past year.

With its ambitious goals, the podcast platform aims to create a seamless ecosystem where radio and on-demand content converge, transcending geographical barriers.