Participated · Series C · Dec 2018

Acast builds technology to help podcasters monetize, notably pioneering dynamic ad insertion so ads can be updated in older episodes. The company supports both advertising and paid subscription models and is experimenting with premium content via its Acast+ app. Ross Adams, who became CEO last fall, says the new funding will expand product offerings and geographic reach. Acast this year launched in Ireland, New Zealand and Denmark and plans further growth in the U.S., which already accounts for 25% of listeners on the platform. The company is also focusing on new hardware opportunities — smart speakers, cars and other voice-enabled devices — to broaden where podcasts are consumed and monetized. Acast is a free-to-use technology platform connecting listeners, podcast creators and advertisers for on-demand audio and podcasting. The platform hosts more than 2,000 shows and records over 56 million monthly listens across its network. It has built relationships with both media houses and independent creators, including Watch What Crappens, The Financial Times, The Football Ramble, Spar, Varvet, VICE and The Economist. The app is available from the Microsoft Store, iTunes and Google Play, and the company operates offices in London, New York City, Los Angeles and Sydney. Founded in 2014, Acast plans to use the $19.5m Series B to accelerate growth in the US and expand into new international markets. The round brings the company's total funding to over $32m to date. Acast is a platform that helps podcast creators monetize content by connecting listeners, creators and advertisers in an integrated marketplace. The company takes half of the advertising revenue generated by podcasts and has launched a paid ad‑free version for listeners. Acast reports well over 1,000 affiliated podcasts, including outlets such as the Financial Times, the Economist and the Guardian. It is active in Sweden, the UK and the USA and is launching in Australia, with plans to enter two more markets during the year. Founder Karl Rosander said the year went according to plan and that the company’s biggest challenge is accelerating growth at the desired pace. Breakit reported the company is now worth about €30 million. Acast provides a podcast platform and app that enables discovery and sharing of on-demand audio content augmented with videos, images and links to upgrade the listening experience. Launched in 2014 by CEO Måns Ulvestam and Head of Business Development Karl Rosander, the company operates out of Stockholm and London. The platform reports 1 million unique users and 12 million streams per month. Acast has received recognition including Start-up of the Year from IDG magazine Internetworld and 'Most Innovative Media Service' from Mobilgalan. The company intends to use the Series A funds to expand further in Europe and to enter the US market. The product combines app and web distribution to increase engagement through rich media enhancements.