Description
Problem
- Market Fragmentation: The process of creation is hurdle ridden, complicated and spread across avenues.
- Gap of Podcasting Tools across European Market: Even with the advent of podcast hosting platforms, there were no creator side tools present across the European Market.
- Consumption Destinations/Discovery: The above point was further exacerbated by the lack of consumption side tools in the European Market catering to listeners within those regions.
Solution
Hubhopper is South Asia’s largest podcast hosting, creation and distribution platform. For simplicity, think of them as the bridge that sits between those looking to create audio content and platforms (such as Spotify, Gaana, Google Podcasts) where podcast consumption takes place. Hubhopper serves a diverse clientele comprising both B2C and B2B segments, operating on a subscription-based framework. Their platform offers a range of versatile functionalities tailored to foster podcast growth.
- SaaS (B2C) – The main source of revenue for the platform comes from its PRO plan (₹799). Moreover, their studio extends its services to B2B clients, delivering Enterprise offerings that empower them to effectively host, distribute, and oversee their podcasts with efficiency. API integration of the SaaS platform with listening platforms enables these platforms to effortlessly add and distribute content, expanding their libraries with ease.
- Content services (B2B) – Leveraging the large number of creators that use Hubhopper, allows them to act as a marketplace/bridge for brands (audible, Spotify, FB, The American Govt. etc.) looking to engage with podcasts at scale and premium creators/production houses that are seeking business in audio. (Single shot payments. 2 closing in Jan)
- Creator Revenue Sharing – Hubhopper facilitates monetization of podcasts via Branded Content Segments. The revenue share (70:30) is in favour of the creator.
Hubhopper hosts over 27K podcasts (24K users) with over 180K episodes and 750 Mn listens. They also host 50+ brands and are platform agnostic.
Market Opportunity
The podcast & audio industry is growing fast. As of March 2023, there are upwards of 4Mn podcasts compared to 500K in 2017.
There are over 200Mn creators today with ~2% as audio only creators.
- TAM – 4Mn audio OTT creators
- SAM – 2.8Mn Non-USA creators
- $SAM – $360Mn Subscription Revenue Opportunity (70% pay)
About the Founders
- Gautam Raj Anand – Founder & CEO – 8+ years experience. Forbes & BWD U30, Fortune U40.
- Prakhar Bavej – Tech Lead – 6+ years experience. Been with Hubhopper since graduation. Expert in MERN + DevOps
- Nikhil Kapoor – Chief business Officer – 11+ years of experience Ex-Numa Startup Founder
Details of the round
They are raising INR 4-6 Cr through the issuance of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at a Pre-Money Valuation of INR 45 Cr.
They have commitments worth INR 2.15 Cr in this round.
The investment in Hubhopper is open through our SEBI-
