Acast acquires US creator network Backyard Ventures in $20m deal

Podcast platform Acast has acquired Backyard Ventures, a US creator representation and monetisation business, in a deal worth up to $20 million.

The acquisition gives Acast a network of more than 200 creators spanning podcasts, YouTube and newsletters, as the company looks to expand its commercial offering.

The deal comprises $16 million in cash and a further $4 million in Acast shares.

Founded in Austin, Backyard Ventures works with creators to monetise their audiences through sponsorships and has managed tens of thousands of campaigns since launch. Its roster includes Ryan Holiday's The Daily Stoic, Piers Morgan's Uncensored, A Little Bit Culty and SB Mowing, alongside bestselling authors Cal Newport and Mark Manson.

Across its roster, the company reaches 11.5 million monthly podcast listens and 230 million monthly YouTube views.

The Backyard Ventures team will remain with the business following the acquisition, while founder and chief executive Matt Cisneros will continue to be based in Austin. The Backyard Ventures brand will eventually be retired as the company is integrated into Acast, which is establishing a presence in the city under the name Acast Austin.

"Backyard Ventures commercial teams are among the best in the business at omnichannel, video-led sponsorships, and newsletter monetization. Acast brings the technology, demand and global scale," Acast chief executive Greg Glenday wrote on LinkedIn.

Cisneros said the deal followed a search for a partner that could help Backyard Ventures grow faster, driven by "the need for expanded technology and resources."

"Acast has an international presence with a deep understanding of scaled and technical partnerships – something that will help BV go faster," he wrote on LinkedIn.

The deal comes as Acast builds out its video offering. Earlier this month, the company opened video publishing on Apple Podcasts to all eligible creators, following the launch of video advertising in May.