Podcorn

Podcorn operates as a self-service marketplace engineered to connect podcasters with brands for native advertising opportunities. The company was founded in 2019 by Agnes Kozera and David Kierzkowski and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. The founding pair previously established FameBit, a marketing platform for video influencers that was subsequently acquired by Google. This prior experience in the creator economy informed their approach to the podcasting space, which they identified as a fragmented market where a large percentage of creators were not monetizing their content.

The company's business model centers on facilitating direct collaborations between advertisers and podcast creators of all sizes. Brands can sign up, create a campaign with a specific budget, and Podcorn's platform uses machine learning to match them with suitable podcasts. For podcasters, the platform provides a way to browse and apply for sponsorship opportunities. Podcorn's revenue is generated by taking a 10% service fee from the transactions that occur on its platform upon the successful completion and approval of a campaign. The platform handles the financial aspects, holding the advertiser's funds in escrow and releasing them to the podcaster once the work is complete.

The service offers a variety of native advertising formats beyond standard pre-roll or mid-roll ads. These include host-read endorsements, guest interviews, topical discussions, and product reviews, allowing for more organic integration of branded content within a podcast's existing format. The platform features a "work room" where brands and podcasters can communicate and manage the campaign collaboration. In March 2021, Podcorn was acquired by Entercom, now Audacy, for a total value of $22.5 million, consisting of a $14.6 million cash payment and a performance-based earnout. Kozera and Kierzkowski continued to lead Podcorn as part of Entercom's leadership team post-acquisition.

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