UAE-based podcasting startup Podeo closes $5.4 million Series A to go global

🎙️ Podeo, a UAE-based podcast distribution platform, has raised $5.4 million in a Series A funding round!

• Founded in 2020 in Lebanon by Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek, Podeo provides an all-in-one platform that handles everything from content creation and distribution to monetisation.

💰 Investor lowdown: The funding round was led by Oraseya Capital, with additional participation from Ibtikar Fund, Cedar Mundi Ventures, Samarium, iSME, and returning investor Razor Capital.

📖 The back story

Podeo's growth surged after the Beirut explosion in 2020, where it became a critical platform for people to share messages of resilience and hope. Following this, Podeo doubled down on Arabic-language podcasts and invested heavily in creator tools like editing software, sound design, branding, and mixing.

⚙️ Breaking it down

Today, Podeo maximises monetisation opportunities for podcasters by offering detailed audience insights, ad-tech solutions, and direct access to advertisers.

The platform also tackles one of the biggest challenges in podcasting: discoverability.

In addition to distributing content on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Podeo has expanded its reach through unique partnerships with local outlets such as radio stations, gaming apps, Dubai taxis, and in-flight entertainment provider Anuvu.

This multi-channel approach broadens creators' reach and taps into new audiences.

With over 100,000 creators and 50 million subscribers, Podeo’s strategy helps podcasters grow their audiences and revenue, while streamlining the entire creation and distribution process.

🐂 Bull case

Podeo has expanded podcast supply in the MENA region by 50x and boosted revenue by 6x in the last year. Creators report a 166% monthly audience growth on average, thanks to Podeo’s multi-channel reach.

With the global podcasting ad spend projected to hit $4.02 billion by 2024, Podeo is poised to capture a significant share of the booming podcast economy.

Additionally, its free-to-use model and elimination of creator fees make it attractive to both creators and listeners, while its programmatic advertising technology ensures creators earn a share of ad revenue.

🔮 Flashforward

The latest funding round will enable Podeo to expand into emerging markets like Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, scaling its platform and empowering more creators worldwide.