07 February 2019, India:
Music streaming company Spotify Technology S.A., today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Gimlet Media Inc. (“Gimlet”), the renowned independent producer of podcast content, and Anchor (“Anchor”), the company leading the market for podcast creation, publishing, and monetization services. The terms of the transactions have not been disclosed.
Gimlet will bring to Spotify its best-in-class podcast studio with dedicated IP development, production and advertising capabilities. Anchor will bring its platform of tools for podcast creators and its established and rapidly growing creator base, the company said in a statement.
Daniel Ek, Co-founder and CEO, Spotify, said, “These acquisitions will meaningfully accelerate our path to becoming the world’s leading audio platform, give users around the world access to the best podcast content, and improve the quality of our listening experience as well as enhance the Spotify brand.”
Daniel Ek, added, “We are proud to welcome Gimlet and Anchor to the Spotify team, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber, co-founders of Gimlet Media, said, “Spotify is poised to become the largest audio platform in the world and we are excited for Gimlet’s award-winning podcasts to connect with new audiences around the world. The medium of audio is uniquely great at creating human connection and understanding. We are thrilled that Gimlet is joining Spotify to do that at a global scale, on the platform and beyond.”
Michael Mignano, CEO of Anchor, said, “We are incredibly excited to introduce Anchor’s industry-best podcasting tools to Spotify’s massive user base as we continue our journey, now with even greater resources. We look forward to continuing to empower creators all over the world to build an audience, generate revenue, and most importantly, have their voices heard.”
Gimlet was founded in 2014 and is behind hit series like StartUp, Reply All, Homecoming, Mogul and more. Gimlet Creative, the company’s in-house advertising agency, helps brands find their voice in audio and produces official podcasts for brands like eBay, Tinder, Gatorade and Mastercard.
Anchor was founded in 2015. It’s end-to-end podcasting platform, available for free on iOS, Android, and web, provides easy-to-use creative tools, unlimited free content hosting, distribution everywhere podcasts are heard, and monetization options built for beginners and pros alike.
(Image – Spotify)
