Podcast marketplace Acast announced the acquisition of RadioPublic, a U.S. podcast technology start-up founded in Boston, Massachusetts. The acquisition will boost Acast’s presence in the U.S. and further develop its tools and talent.
RadioPublic’s Listener Relationship Management platform is at the heart of the acquisition. The platform helps podcasters identify potential new listeners, gain interest in their shows and connect with fans.
The deal comes off the back of several moves for Acast in the Americas. The company recently announced a collaboration with member platform Patreon, which enables podcasters on the platform to distribute private, patron-only content to their listeners’ podcast app of choice. In addition, it hired Heather Gordon as its new managing director for Canada and launched Acast in Mexico last year.
“We’re impressed by what RadioPublic has achieved and we believe that now — as podcasting is gaining more momentum than ever before — is the ideal time to bring RadioPublic’s talented team and company missions into the Acast fold,” said Leandro Saucedo, Acast’s chief business and strategy officer. “This deal continues our quest to support all audio storytellers around the world, giving their stories the audience they deserve.”
RadioPublic cofounders Chris Quamme Rhoden (CTO) and Matt MacDonald (chief product officer) join the Acast team. Cofounder and CEO Jake Shapiro has joined Apple Podcasts as head of creator partnerships.
“There’s such strong alignment between the Acast and RadioPublic philosophies in our mutual support for — and belief in — a financially healthy, robust, open podcast marketplace,” said MacDonald. “It’s exciting to think about bringing our insights and growth marketing tools to a large community of global podcasters.”
The acquisition will not affect RadioPublic operationally and it will remain functional without change.
