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Podcast Network Asia (PNA) gets a major financial boost from three groups, netting USD 750,000 (around P36 million) in fresh capital.

Summit Publications President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, multi-focus venture capital firm Foxmont Capital, and Jakarta-based VC firm Venturra Discovery, all pumped in funds to help PNA broaden its reach in the region.

The country's live-streaming platform KUMU has also placed money on the company for its first-ever investment.

PNA eyes to tap into Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia for its expansion efforts.

Launched in August 2019, PNA has provided a platform for podcast shows to connect to listeners, hone their craft, provide production support, and explore monetization opportunities for their programs.

The pandemic last year only fast-tracked PNA's growth as people looked for alternative forms of entertainment to keep them engaged while in lockdown.

PNA has seen its roster grow to 93 shows during the quarantine period.

The diversity of topics, accessibility, and absence of strict censorship allowing free discussions have made it an appealing medium for both listeners and creatives.

A study by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and consulting firm PwC, estimated that revenue for podcasts will surpass the 1 billion mark in 2021.

Some of the popular podcast shows hosted by PNA include Boiling Waters, Eve's Drop, Kool Pals, and Walwal Sesh.

PNA likewise looks to leverage its data analytics and ad marketplace platform called Podmetrics and Podmetrics Marketplace to entice more podcasters to avail of the service.

Podcast shows that will sign up will enjoy services such as access to podcast analytics report, affiliate marketing campaigns, and brand collaborations and sponsorships.

“Podcasting is about to enter its golden age,” said Ron Baetiong, CEO and co-founder of Podcast Network Asia, in a statement.

“We are very excited with what this investment allows us to do - with the Philippines as the 6th fastest growing country in terms of listenership plus our own listenership, which already stands at 10 million; we can scale up and continue the momentum we've built in the Philippine podcasting industry and replicate it across the region.”

Key tips

Dream of hosting your own podcast but don't know where to start? PNA has posted valuable tips on Instagram to get your project up and running steadily for the short and long haul.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Podcast Network Asia (@podcastnetworkasia)

Looking for inspiration for your planned podcast show? Listen to these podcast programs hosted by local celebrities and known personalities to encourage you on your journey: