SWEDEN; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —Stockholm-listed podcast platform Acast has acquired US-based creator agency Backyard Ventures in a transaction valued at $20 million, comprising $16 million in upfront cash and $4 million in deferred shares. The transaction, funded through existing cash reserves, integrates Backyard Ventures into Acast while establishing an operational base in Austin, Texas. Backyard Ventures generated $16.1 million in revenue during 2025 with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12%, achieving a 65% compound annual growth rate since 2023.
Acast is a global podcasting technology company that provides hosting, distribution, and monetization services to content creators and advertisers worldwide. Backyard Ventures operates as a US representation network managing commercial partnerships across digital audio, video platforms, email newsletters, and social channels for over 200 creators, generating tens of millions of monthly impressions.
The transaction addresses a structural shift in digital media consumption, where podcast creators increasingly rely on cross-platform distribution rather than audio-only feeds. By combining enterprise ad-serving technology and global demand networks with specialized video sponsorship expertise and direct-to-brand sales teams, the combined entity aims to streamline multi-channel ad buying for global brands.
This acquisition highlights the ongoing consolidation within the digital content and creator economy. Media buyers are increasingly prioritizing unified monetization networks capable of delivering cross-platform campaigns across audio, video streaming, and direct digital publishing. Consequently, legacy ad models are adapting to capture multi-surface audience engagement under single commercial agreements.
For market participants and advertisers, the deal signals an acceleration of integrated video and audio ad inventories. Broadening footprint in key US regional media hubs provides global distribution networks with direct access to high-value creator rosters and localized advertising relationships, strengthening competitive positioning against diversified digital media platforms.
