Philippine mediatech startup Podcast Network Asia secures $750k seed funding

Media and tech firm Podcast Network Asia (PNA) said it has raised US$750,000 in seed funding to expand its reach in Southeast Asia.

Investors in the round include Summit Publications president Lisa Gokongwei, multifocus venture firm Foxmont Capital, and Jakarta-based investor Venturra Discovery, according to a statement.

The PNA team / Photo credits: Podcast Network Asia

Founded in August 2019, the Philippines-based startup provides production support and monetization opportunities to creators and hosts. The company has since grown to have a roster of 93 shows, including Boiling Waters, Eve’s Drop, Kool Pals, and Walwal Sesh.

PNA also operates data analytics and ad marketplace platform Podmetrics, which it claims is used by 415 podcasts. The company said it expects this number to rise as it widens its offerings to include total podcast analytics, affiliate marketing campaign connections, and brand collaboration opportunities.

“Podcasting is about to enter its golden age,” enthuses Ron Baetiong, CEO and co-founder of PNA. “We are very excited with what this investment allows us to do. With the Philippines as the sixth fastest-growing country in terms of listenership plus our own listenership, which already stands at 10 million.”

PNA said it plans to use the new capital to expand outside of the Philippines, eyeing markets in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.