This week, the podcasting landscape continues to evolve with major players making waves. From a podcaster turned venture capitalist doubling down on tech investments to leadership shake-ups in established platforms, the industry is proving its resilience and adaptability. British podcaster Harry Stebbings is leading the charge, raising an impressive $400 million to fuel early-stage startups, while Brendan Monaghan steps into his role as CEO of Libsyn, bringing a fresh vision for the company's next chapter.

We’re also seeing podcasts become more integrated into the broader media conversation. Andreessen Horowitz’s LA Tech Week live podcast highlighted just how essential podcasts have become for sharing ideas across industries.

Lastly, Wondery is launching The Best Idea Yet, promising innovative content and thought-provoking episodes. As podcasts continue to influence both business and culture, we’re excited to keep you updated on the latest trends shaping the industry.

With gratitude,
Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

🎧 Podcasting News & Highlights

Discover the Latest Trends, Exclusive Interviews, and Industry Updates

Podcaster Harry Stebbings Raises $400M to Fuel Early-Stage Tech Innovation

Harry Stebbings, the British podcaster behind The Twenty Minute VC, has successfully raised a $400 million fund through his venture firm, 20VC, positioning himself as a powerhouse in the venture capital world. Stebbings, who became known for interviewing top tech investors on his podcast, now leverages his platform’s influence to source and invest in promising early-stage startups. Backed by heavyweights like MIT and Thrive Capital’s Josh Kushner, this new fund is expected to supercharge Europe's growing tech scene, further cementing Stebbings' reputation as one of the continent's leading investors. Explore how Harry Stebbings is reshaping tech investing here.

Alex Cooper Graces the Cover of The Hollywood Reporter

Alex Cooper, the host of Call Her Daddy and one of the most successful female podcasters, is featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter. In the interview, she opens up about her business acumen, the bold decisions that led her from Barstool Sports to a $60 million Spotify deal, and her recent $125 million move to SiriusXM. Cooper also shares insights on her infamous Kamala Harris interview, her rivalry with Joe Rogan, and the surprising benefits of being deeply connected to the digital world. Read more here.

A16Z Breaks New Ground with a Live Podcast at LA Tech Week

Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) isn’t just investing in tech startups—they’re innovating how tech and media intersect. Kicking off LA Tech Week, A16Z hosted a live podcast recording that captivated attendees and underscored the power of podcasts in sharing knowledge across industries. Since its founding in 2009, A16Z has been known for backing some of the most disruptive startups, and now they're turning to podcasting as a dynamic medium for industry leaders to share their insights in real-time. This event showcases how tech-focused podcasts are becoming a vital channel for both early-stage founders and industry giants alike.
Catch highlights here.

Brendan Monaghan Takes the Helm at Libsyn as CEO, Ushering in a New Era

Libsyn, one of the pioneering podcast hosting platforms, celebrates its 20th anniversary by appointing Brendan Monaghan as the company’s new CEO. Monaghan’s impressive track record includes co-founding Megaphone, a podcast technology company acquired by Spotify. His background in media and technology positions him perfectly to lead Libsyn into its next phase of growth and innovation. With a legacy of empowering podcasters, from indie creators to media giants, Monaghan’s leadership promises to bolster Libsyn’s standing as a key player in the podcasting ecosystem.
Read more about Libsyn’s vision under Brendan Monaghan here.

Wondery Unveils The Best Idea Yet

Wondery is set to launch The Best Idea Yet, a brand-new show premiering on October 15. As part of the acclaimed TBOY (The Best One Yet) podcast family, The Best Idea Yet promises to be a fresh take on innovation, exploring the most groundbreaking ideas across business, tech, and culture. The show offers listeners early access to forward-thinking concepts that could reshape industries, all delivered in Wondery’s signature engaging storytelling style. For those eager to stay ahead of the curve, episodes will be available early and ad-free on Wondery+. Get ready for a new wave of inspiration with The Best Idea Yet here.

📰 Press-Worthy Moments

Stay informed with the latest highlights and news making waves in the podcasting world.

Press-Worthy Moments

• Spotify partners with major publishers to expand its audiobook library, strengthening its foothold in the digital audio space.

• Podcasters message to ad buyers: “We’re an industry that’s growing up.”

• Spotify looks to build new Hollywood studios to court video podcasters

Follow us on Instagram @listener to stay up to date with all things podcasting news. Have news to share? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected] to get featured!

Partner Spotlight

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Acast, the world’s largest podcast company. Acast connects nearly 125,000 podcasts with audiences globally, offering a diverse catalog of high-quality content.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been creating the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, building the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans nearly 125,000 podcasts, 2,700 advertisers, and approximately 400 million monthly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized wherever they happen - across any podcasting app or other listening platform.

The company operates worldwide and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Acast is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ACAST.ST).

For podcasters looking to grow and monetize their shows, we highly recommend checking out Acast. Their innovative technology and extensive reach make them an invaluable partner in the podcasting world. Learn more.

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Casey Adams
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