Tech

Acast Acquires Podcast Network Backyard Ventures for $20M

Published on August 13, 2026

Acast has acquired Backyard Ventures, a U.S. podcast network representing more than 200 creators across audio, YouTube, newsletters, and social media. According to the company’s announcement, the deal is valued at $20 million, split between $16 million in cash paid at closing and $4 million in Acast shares on a deferred schedule.

Backyard Ventures reported $16.1 million in revenue in 2025, a compound annual growth rate of 65% since 2023, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12%. Its roster includes Ryan Holiday’s “The Daily Stoic,” Piers Morgan’s “Uncensored,” “A Little Bit Culty,” “SB Mowing” on YouTube, and authors Cal Newport and Mark Manson’s shows “Deep Questions” and “Solved.” Across those creators, the network reports 11.5 million monthly listens globally and 46 million simulcast views, with audiences reaching 230 million monthly YouTube views and 35.5 million newsletter subscribers.

Acast said the acquisition extends its ability to monetize creators across every channel a show operates on, not just audio. The company connects more than 140,000 creators with over 4,000 advertisers globally and trades on Nasdaq Stockholm, according to the announcement.

“Backyard Ventures has curated one of the strongest creator rosters in the U.S., alongside specialist teams with deep expertise in selling audio, video, social, and newsletters,” said Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast. “That’s the perfect complement to what we’ve spent years developing: the technology, demand, and global scale to run omnichannel campaigns for creators.”

Matt Cisneros, founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures, said the deal gives his creators and sales teams infrastructure that would have taken years to build independently. “We have always been creator-first, and I’m excited to accelerate that success with our shared vision,” he said.

The Backyard Ventures brand will be retired as the business integrates into Acast, though its team and Austin operation remain, with Austin becoming an Acast base. A retention arrangement has been agreed with Backyard Ventures’ founder.

Backyard Ventures was advised by Shana McGirl of DuBois Bryant & Campbell LLP and Yale Yee of Telos Advisors.