Red numbers for Acast – but sales are moving



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The turnover has increased by 90% and Acast now has more than 100 million listeners a month, causing the company to lose 65 million euros: " Our two main kpi have been the business figure and listening "Adams

It was a hectic 2017 year for the Swedish four year old Acast. Podcast platform rotted in the harbor a collaboration with the BBC which allowed the company to reach its target of 100 million listeners a month. Acast also received Ford Motors' mission in 2017 to create a podcast integration in their cars.

Last year, the company also opened new branches in several locations around the world – in Australia and New Zealand for example – and received 154 million crowns of investment in the fall. And all the activity is visible in the company's net sales, which increased by 90% between 2016 and 2017, rising from just over 49.8 million to 85.7 million. The expansion of Acast cost, but for the first time, the turnover now exceeds the loss.

2017 caused the company to lose 65.1 million Swedish kronor, compared to 52.5 million kronor the year before. The equity ratio of the company is estimated at 84%, up from 65% in 2016.

Acast joined 2017 for the EU's Horizon 2020 program, the largest investment in research and development. innovation in the world. The connection involved an additional 25 million Swedish kroner to the podcast platform. Half of the amount was paid in 2017 and half 2018.

Ross Adams took the role of CEO on the podcast platform at the end of last year, after Måns Ulvestam. On the question of how he should describe 2017, he responds:

– As a successful year at a high rate. We have experienced tremendous growth in terms of both business turnover and number of auditors. And I see it as the result of the hard work we have done over the past three years. We are not stuck in the rhythm, but it will be even better in the future

You have initiated several major collaborations, gained new investors and won new markets, what is the most important for Acast in 2017? ]

– It's like you're on a combination of things. Technology is at the heart of our business, and being able to launch collaborations with major players such as BBC and Ford Motors has been very important. I see it as a confirmation that the industry sees that we are market leaders and that there is great confidence in our technology.

When will your new partnerships generate profits?

– Profit is of course something that every company strives to do – and we will do it in the long run. At the moment, we are reinvesting everything we have in our business. Only this year, there were more start-ups in the podcast sphere than last year. Seals of competition and we focus on growth and investment in the face of profits.

Who is your biggest competitor?

– There is no global player competing with us, on the other hand, there are many in the different parts of our business. . In our opinion, it is in the United States that we must focus our efforts – as is the case where our largest competitors are, as well as the best growth opportunities.

Acast, he says, has also progressed in the United States. He calls at the heart of a podcast by opening several offices. In a press release, Acast USA describes it as a key market, where there is a shift in the podcast industry and on demand audio. The market is moving from a channel influenced by influencers to becoming a mass media. The United States is also a key market for the company, including Vouge, Vice Media and The Scientific American joined Acast last year.

Acast has increased sales by 90% since last year. Are there any risks?

– No, in my opinion, on the other hand, it means extraordinary possibilities. And that we can grow so much and show so fast that there is room to grow in our market. Our two main kpi have been rolling and listening. We expect that we will continue to grow even more.

Måns Ulvestam has already said that Acast should win 2017. What has changed?

– Nothing has changed, our strategy is being developed quickly. Our competition is growing as we grow and we focus on expansion. We are expecting profits later, but this is not our goal now.

What is the biggest challenge of Acast right now?

We continue to maintain the pace we have decided. We see ourselves as the first platform in our field, and we want that position, even as more and more people enter our market.

What is your advice for Swedish advertisers looking to spend money podcast world?

– My advice is that they are really starting to explore the area. Music has dominated the sound market, but we offer a completely different angle and a new format – and we see that advertisers are investing heavily because it works.

Acast has also begun to prepare for a planned list. Karl Rosander, the co-founder of the company, has left the board of directors in favor of Andrea Gisle Joosen, who takes office as new chairman.

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