Nord-based startup Ausha.co, one of first platforms dedicated to podcast hosting in France, has announced its first fund raising of €1.2 million. Created in 2018, the platform already hosts more than 2600 podcasts, with plans to double this figure by the end of 2020, and already has major customers like daily newspaper Libération and accounts with players like BNP Paribas and Décathlon.
The financial backing was led by two regional funds, Nord France Amorçage and IRD Gestion, through its Nord Création fund. They were followed by 5 renowned Business Angels, including Alexandre Boucherot, CEO and co-founder of Ulule, the blogger Korben, Wilfrid André (ex Alice Délice), Nima Karimi and Jean-Baptiste Defossez (Karafun).
With this first fundraiser, Ausha has two major objectives. Firstly, it will take on an expansion challenge, reinforcing its leadership position in France with the opening of an office in Paris, and then to continue its growth in Europe. The second is product related: to continue to improve the platform by helping podcasters to develop the visibility of their production. The new functionalities will include the creation of data and audience development tools.
“Podcasting is going to become an essential means of communication, information and education for the new generations. This is why, with Ausha, we are committed to offering the simplest way to create a podcast and are extremely pleased with this decision, which will allow us to accelerate our communication and the enrichment of the platform at the same time”, explains Maxime Piquette, CEO and co-founder of Ausha.
“Our mission is to support entrepreneurs and gems in the Hauts de France region. This is why we are particularly pleased to be able to accompany Maxime Piquette and Charles De Potter in their new adventure, in a rapidly expanding market where the reference positions are still to be conquered” adds Florent Lestienne, Consulting Partner of IRD Gestion.
