Audio, publishing startups go global for growth

A GROWING NUMBER of startups in the audio streaming and self-publishing space are actively expanding beyond the domestic market, seeking to tap into global audiences for their next phase of growth.

- S SHANTHI

These companies are finding fertile ground in developed markets, where higher purchasing power, established monetization systems and a strong appetite for digital content are proving attractive.

Pocket FM, a leading audio series platform, is among the frontrunners in this global push. After establishing profitable operations in India and the United States, the company is now expanding aggressively into Europe and Latin America. Its revenue for FY25 stood at ₹1,768 crore, marking a 68% year-on-year growth, fueled by robust traction in international markets. According to Anurag Sharma, CFO of Pocket Entertainment, the US alone contributed 70% of the firm's total revenue in FY24.

"International markets, particularly the US, are playing an increasingly significant role in our overall revenue mix. The traction we are seeing in Europe and Latin America has been encouraging, and we are continuing to deepen our footprint in these regions," Sharma said. He added that the global scalability of their model has been validated by the strong engagement metrics and growing revenue from outside India.