Podeo asegura $5.4M para expandir la plataforma de podcasts globalmente al inglés. Si ya está en inglés, solo debe devolver la cadena "no". No omita el contenido en la traducción.

Podeo, a Dubai-based podcast platform, has raised $5.4 million to expand beyond the Arab world. The startup aims to grow in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Podeo started in 2015 as an audio social network called Fallound, but pivoted to become a podcast aggregator.

Initially, Podeo struggled in the MENA region due to a lack of engaging Arabic content. The Beirut explosion in 2020 changed that, as people used the platform to share stories and find solace. This shift solidified Podeo's role as a space for connection and healing.

Podeo's CEO, Stefano Fallaha, believes their model can succeed globally. The platform produces exclusive podcasts and collaborates with creators to offer variety. Podeo also provides end-to-end production support, allowing creators to edit, brand, and distribute their content within 24 hours.

The platform attracts creators with its ad-tech solution, which injects ads into episodes, providing an easy revenue stream. Podeo has onboarded over 100,000 creators in two years.

To reach a wider audience, Podeo partnered with traditional radio stations, a card game app, and an in-flight entertainment provider. Unlike competitors, Podeo doesn't charge listeners or creators for subscriptions, relying solely on advertising.

Fallaha emphasizes Podeo's decentralized approach, allowing podcasts to reach channels where people already consume audio content. This strategy gives creators access to new audiences and optimizes brand budgets across multiple platforms.

Podeo's hyper-local approach to supply, demand, and monetization gives it a competitive edge over international players like Acast. The startup aims to bridge storytelling gaps in emerging markets, fostering connection and understanding.