In 2018, Rohan Nayak found himself stuck in a crowded metro, pondering the lack of innovation in audio storytelling during his daily commute from Gurugram to Noida. This simple thought sparked the idea for Pocket FM, an Indian platform offering short-form, serialized audio content like podcasts and audiobooks. Fast forward to today, Pocket FM has secured a remarkable $103 million in Series D funding, led by Lightspeed Ventures and Stepstone Group, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Despite facing initial challenges and “near-death experi
nces,” Nayak and his team persevered, experimenting with various audio formats before finding success with short-form, serialized fiction. Their focus on bite-sized content tailored to the busy lifestyles of Indians, along with a dedication to regional languages, has garnered a loyal user base and propelled Pocket FM to the forefront of the Indian audio entertainment industry.
Moreover, Pocket FM recently completed its first Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback, further solidifying its commitment to its employees. With a combination of innovative ideas, relentless determination, and a deep understanding of their audience, Pocket FM has transformed the way Indians consume audio content and continues to pave the way for the future of audio entertainment in India.
