Guestio - Book Podcast Guests Easily

Guestio Secures $1.5 Million Seed Funding to Revolutionize Podcast Booking

Guestio has successfully completed a $1.5 million seed funding round, designed to enhance its platform dedicated to streamlining the podcast guest booking experience.

Simplifying Guest Acquisition for Podcasters

According to Travis Chappell, Founder and CEO, the platform empowers users to effortlessly secure guests for their podcasts, catering to a diverse range of subjects and show sizes with just a few clicks.

Chappell, himself a podcast host with the “Build Your Network” entrepreneurship show, understands the challenges firsthand. Having produced nearly 700 episodes, he recognized the increasing difficulty in attracting high-profile guests as his show grew.

The Expanding Podcast Landscape

The podcasting industry is experiencing substantial growth, projected to reach $1 billion in value this year. With over 118 million Americans listening monthly as of 2021, securing access to prominent individuals presents a significant hurdle.

Inspired by the success of platforms like Cameo, Chappell envisioned a more efficient solution for podcasters seeking notable guests.

Guestio: A Two-Sided Marketplace

Launched in 2020, Guestio functions as a booking marketplace connecting podcasters with potential guests. Conversely, individuals can utilize the app to secure podcast appearances and promote their endeavors, such as upcoming book releases and associated tours.

Revenue Model and New Features

Currently, Guestio operates on a model that retains 20% of booking fees, with the remaining portion distributed to the booker or the guest. The company recently introduced a feature allowing guests to monetize the promotion of their interviews.

Furthermore, a new “mini endorsement” feature is slated for release, enabling businesses to purchase audio or video endorsements from celebrities for use in advertising campaigns, as Chappell explained.

“We are also introducing tiered subscription options for those requiring a consistent stream of guests,” he stated. “Additionally, ‘Guestio credits’ will soon be available for booking interviews or submitting pitches.”

Investor Support

The funding round included participation from angel investors such as John Lee Dumas, David Meltzer, Matt Barnes, Joel Marion, Zvi Band, Ross Paquette, and Josh Snow.

Industry Validation

John Lee Dumas, founder and host of the “Entrepreneurs on Fire” podcast, has known Chappell since 2017 and eagerly joined the investment round upon learning about Guestio. He also faced difficulties in finding qualified guests and vetting potential podcast hosts.

“This solution is applicable across all platforms,” Dumas added. “As virtual interactions become more prevalent, companies like Guestio will be at the forefront. They are currently a leader in this space, pioneering a high-level approach that will continue to attract users.”

Current Traction and Future Plans

Guestio’s platform currently boasts nearly 3,000 users and has generated approximately $200,000 in revenue over the last five months, according to Chappell.

The new funding will be allocated to expanding the company’s team, investing in marketing initiatives, and furthering software development.

A key focus will be enhancing the platform’s features for guests seeking to book themselves on podcasts. While similar platforms often charge substantial fees without transparency, Guestio provides detailed data on podcast audiences and other relevant insights to empower informed decision-making.

“I am incredibly proud of my team’s accomplishments in securing significant deals and generating revenue at this stage,” Chappell concluded.