Podfund: We invest in media companies that leverage audio as a core strategy to drive audience, brand, and revenue.
Podfund provides startup and growth capital, resources, and expertise to help podcast businesses and audio ventures accelerate success.
If you are a talented, ambitious podcaster building a creative, profitable, and impactful business, Podfund is your source for startup and growth capital, resources, and expertise.
How it works
Podfund typically provides funding between $25,000–$150,000 to podcast studios and high-potential creators based on stage, track record, evidence of traction, revenue, and intended use of the funds. In some cases, we may provide a larger initial check and/or follow-on funding. We review applications on a continuous basis and are actively seeking new investment opportunities in audio-driven companies.
Contact Us.
Our investment approaches
We participate in venture funding rounds via traditional equity, convertible notes or SAFE instruments and offer unique revenue financing options.
Our resources
Podfund is more than funding. We have assembled hand-picked resources to help you build and grow a successful podcast business.
Funding
Typical check sizes range $25,000–$150,000 USD based on stage, track record, evidence of traction, revenue, and intended use of the funds; Podfund may also provide larger or follow-on funding.
Business planning
Develop, with help from our network of advisors, a sound strategy for building and growing a successful creative business.
Peer community
Share and learn best practices and real-time insights on how leading podcasters are navigating the evolving ecosystem.
Mentor matching
Expert advice from leading podcasters, marketers, ad sales execs, and legal and finance professionals, matched to your needs.
Growth toolkit
Access to business and strategic expertise to help ventures scale and achieve commercial success.
Partner offers
Our partner network of technology, hardware and service providers unlocks important resources to improve the quality of offerings and enhance the business.
Podfunded creators
We are looking for extraordinary podcasters with potential for growth, revenue, and profitability. Here are some creators we’ve already supported so far:
Kerning Cultures
Double Elvis
theNewsWorthy
Pushkin Industries
The Unmistakable Creative
Fugitive Media
Dreamer Comics
DIVE Studios
Domino Sound
Osiris Podcasts
Who we are
Podfund is run by TechNexus Venture Collaborative, a unique combination of businesses, corporate joint-ventures, and private equity funds, and a fast-growing investment portfolio.
Since 2007, TechNexus has managed a robust platform to empower entrepreneurs, transform business models at scale and drive innovation through ecosystems. The company has accelerated business opportunities for 600+ startups and is among the most active venture investors in the US and one of the largest audio investors in the world.
More information on TechNexus can be found at www.technexus.com.
FAQs
What are your criteria?
We are looking at 3 primary factors:
Poised for growth. We are seeking creators with an entrepreneurial mindset who are focused on developing a successful podcast business.
Evidence of traction. Show us what’s starting to work well and how: episode downloads/listens increasing over time; a passionate fan base; success recruiting additional team members.
Initial revenue. We want to see some early revenue, whether from ad sales, crowdfunding/listener support, live events, merchandise, or other related lines of business.
Are you looking for specific genres/categories?
No. We are open to all, while also weighing factors such as cost of production, market demand, audience potential, longevity, and our overall commitment to quality and diversity.
Beyond capital, what resources do you provide?
We offer a growing list of resources, which includes the peer community of talented Podfunded creators solving similar problems, discovering new opportunities, and sharing hard-earned lessons. We’ve assembled a group of experts across editorial, marketing, ad sales, legal, and finance for our mentor network. Depending on your stage and needs, Podfund provides a toolkit, best practices, and connection to providers for legal incorporation, accounting, and contract templates for talent and business development.
Is Podfund a network?
No. Podfund is a resource for independent podcasters to help you accelerate business growth.
Do you require any exclusivity for distribution or sales?
No. You are free to work with any network, distributor, platform, agency, or sales team best suited to help you succeed. Podfund is happy to help make introductions to potential partners and advise on your business strategy.
Do I need to be incorporated as a business to receive Podfund funds?
Yes, however, if you are not yet, we can help you incorporate as a part of our support. Your status as a business does not affect our consideration of your application.
What can I use the funding for?
Anything (within reason, and the law!) that helps you become a successful, sustainable business. Good examples include: increasing publishing frequency; paying for additional production help; launching a new show; marketing expenses; upgrading necessary equipment; travel necessary to advance production and business development.
Can I use the funding to pay myself?
Yes, if you believe that is a top priority at this stage of your business for it to succeed. In our experience creators have to balance competing needs and limited resources that include their own compensation, especially at the early stages of building a company.
Can I pitch you a brand new podcast/business?
We are not looking for new shows and untested ideas at this point. We may make exceptions for existing creators with a track record of success who are launching additional shows and/or starting a new studio/business.
Is Podfund also supporting podcast tech startups?
No. We are focused on creator-led media companies creating audio content and developing ancillary lines of business.
When do I apply?
As soon as you’re ready. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
How do I apply?
Create an account and fill out our application here.
I’m outside the US. Is Podfund available to me?
Podfund is for global creators and media studios. We encourage creators worldwide to apply.
Interested?
Are you looking to accelerate a creative, revenue-generating, and impactful podcast business? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
