Participated · Series A · Mar 2018

Wondery is the largest independent podcast publisher, known for immersive, story-driven podcasts and hits such as Dr. Death, The Shrink Next Door and Business Wars. Since its 2016 launch it has achieved seventeen #1 Apple Podcasts chart-topping shows and was the largest independent and fastest growing company on Podtrac’s top-podcast publisher rankings, responsible for the #1 and #2 top new shows in 2018. Several of its series have been optioned or adapted for television, including Dirty John. The company creates and develops IP across audio and screen and plans to expand its lineup of originals. Wondery will deploy new capital into IP development, content acquisition, technology investment and global growth. To support international expansion it appointed media executive Declan Moore to lead its efforts outside the U.S. Wondery is a podcast network that creates and curates immersive podcasts across entertainment, true crime, personal growth, business, and history. Since its 2016 launch it has produced six No. 1 podcasts and became one of the fastest publishers to reach Podtrac's top 10, alongside NPR, WNYC, HowStuffWorks, ESPN and The New York Times. Its No. 1 shows include Dirty John, Young Charlie, American History Tellers and Business Wars. Wondery was founded by Hernan Lopez after an 18-year career at Fox, where he rose to president and CEO of Fox International Channels. The company raised $5 million in a Series A and will use proceeds to expand its lineup (including American Innovations, Dr. Death and I, and Survivor) and grow audiences of existing original and partner shows such as Business Wars and Tides Of History. Leadership tied to the round includes Jon Goldman joining the board representing investors, with Jason Nazar also joining the board alongside Lopez.