Podeo Secures $5.4M Series A to Expand Podcast Platform Beyond MENA
The Rise of Podcasting in Emerging Markets
Global podcast listenership surpassed half a billion people in 2023, with the Arab world boasting some of the most engaged audiences. Capitalizing on this trend, Dubai-based podcast startup Podeo has raised $5.4 million in Series A funding to expand into Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Funding Round Details
The investment was led by Oraseya Capital, the VC arm of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, with participation from:
- Ibtikar Fund
- Cedar Mundi Ventures
- Samarium
- iSME
- Returning investor Razor Capital
From Humble Beginnings to Regional Powerhouse
Podeo’s journey began as a high school project in 2015-2016 when CEO Stefano Fallaha (LinkedIn: Stefano Fallaha) developed Fallound, an audio-based social network. The platform evolved into a smart podcast aggregator before finding its true calling during the 2020 Beirut explosion.
The Turning Point
The tragic event, which:
- Killed over 200 people
- Displaced 300,000 residents
- Caused $15 billion in property damage
…became a catalyst for Podeo’s transformation into a platform for authentic storytelling and community healing. This pivotal moment attracted co-founders Anthony Essaye and Mario Hayek, former Fallound engineers, to join full-time.
Addressing the Global Podcast Gap
While traditional podcast research often overlooks emerging markets, YouGov data reveals surprising engagement levels:
- South Africa: 68% regular listeners
- Saudi Arabia: 59%
- Egypt: 56%
- UAE: 53%
- Morocco: 45%
Podeo’s success in these markets has created a blueprint for expansion into other underserved regions.
Innovative Creator Tools and Monetization
Podeo has developed comprehensive solutions for podcast creators:
Production Suite
- Audio editing
- Sound design
- Branding tools
- Mixing capabilities
Creators can receive fully polished episodes within 24 hours of submission.
Revenue Model
Unlike compe*****s like Podimo, Podeo operates:
- No listener subscriptions
- No creator fees (coming soon)
- Programmatic ad insertion
- Future plans for memberships, tipping, and tokenization
Strategic Distribution Partnerships
To maximize reach, Podeo has partnered with:
- Traditional radio stations
- Jawaker (MENA card game app)
- Anuvu (in-flight entertainment)
These collaborations allow passive listening across diverse platforms.
The Road Ahead
“Our mission is to grow alongside our creators,” says Fallaha. “By eliminating financial barriers and developing hyper-local approaches to content and monetization, we’re giving emerging markets access to quality podcasting infrastructure that global players often overlook.”
With its new funding, Podeo aims to replicate its MENA success in three key regions while maintaining its commitment to authentic, accessible storytelling.
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