Podchaser Raises $4M to Build Comprehensive Podcast Database

Podchaser, a company developing a comprehensive resource for podcasts – often described as “IMDB for podcasts” – has recently secured $4 million in funding, with Greycroft leading the investment round.

Essentially, the platform functions as a directory where users can identify podcast guests, provide ratings and reviews, and curate personalized podcast lists. Much like the Amazon-owned Internet Movie Database, Podchaser offers detailed information about the podcast landscape. According to CEO Bradley Davis, the platform’s dedicated community has already contributed 8.5 million podcast credits to the database.

Davis explained that the idea originated from a personal need and a belief that such a resource should already exist. Upon realizing this wasn't the case, he turned to Reddit to find a co-founder, ultimately connecting with Ben Slinger, who serves as the company’s CTO and is based in Australia. (Podchaser operates as a fully remote organization, with Davis currently located in Oklahoma City.)

Davis clarified that the platform’s benefits extend beyond dedicated podcast enthusiasts, serving as a valuable tool for anyone interested in exploring and discovering new podcasts. Podchaser has experienced a fivefold increase in monthly active users over the past year.

As an illustration, Davis highlighted the popularity of politician Pete Buttigieg’s profile page, where visitors can find information not only about his own podcast but also about other podcasts he has been featured on. (Users can also explore profiles for TechCrunch’s Equity, Mixtape and Original Content podcasts, although these profiles are currently undergoing further development.)

The challenge of podcast discovery has been widely discussed, and while Davis doesn’t position Podchaser as a complete solution, he believes it can contribute significantly, both through its database and through its leadership in the Podcast Taxonomy project.

“Our success in standardizing terminology and analyzing podcast popularity will empower listeners to efficiently identify high-quality content,” he stated.

Podchaser is planning to introduce new features designed to encourage user participation, including a gamification system and a dedicated discussion forum.

While the core website is available at no cost, the company recently launched Podchaser Pro, a subscription-based service offering podcast reach and demographic data for 1.8 million podcasts. They also generate revenue by providing podcast players with access to its credits via an API.

Davis emphasized the advantage of building a database that remains independent of any specific podcast platform.

“This independence allows us to collaborate effectively with various platforms, and you’ll increasingly see our credits integrated directly into podcast players,” he noted.

The funding round also included participation from Advancit Capital, LightShed Ventures, Powerhouse Capital, High Alpha, Hyde Park Venture Partners and Poplar Ventures, along with contributions from TrendKite founder A.J. Bruno, Ad Results Media CEO Marshall Williams and Shamrock Capital Partner Mike LaSalle.

Greycroft co-founder and chairman Alan Patricof commented, “Despite the challenges of a pandemic, the podcast market continues to experience rapid growth. Consumer and brand demand is exceptionally high. Podchaser’s data and discovery tools are essential for advancing the podcasting industry.”