PortableVoices, a Kenyan audio production and podcast startup is seeking $100k to work as an open space for publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, and business information providers to produce high quality encrypted digital audiobooks, podcasts and radio dramas.
According to its founder Allan Niongira, PortableVoices will use the cash to produce podcasts, audiobooks, African spoken word entertainment among others and will work with Kenyan podcasters to produce audio content for the African region.
PortableVoices launched its first recording studio in Nairobi today.
“Audio format is proving quite lucrative. It is time for marketers to crystallize the sense that podcasting or audio content is an important and powerful marketing platform.” Allan said.”Companies should start exploring the business potential of sound through audio branding.”
PortableVoices is working with Burudani Express, Talanta Viwanjani, Campus Diaries, Africa Startup Roundup, and Motherhood podcasts, some of the first narrative podcasts in Kenya and East Africa.
After production at PortableVoices, the podcasts are distributed through the company’s website and other streaming platforms like Soundcloud.
Launched in Beta in 2018, PortableVoices has audiobook production unit now targeting the Kenyan and East African audiobook market which is hugely untapped.
Portable Voices has also introduced Creatives Club, a community of audio content creators in Kenya. Members can join the club by paying a monthly fee and will, in turn, get weekly recording sessions, voice acting & podcast training, access to more paying clients and much more. The club is open to both students and freelancers.
Podcasting and other audio content marketing is no longer a sideshow to video and other trendy content formats. Kenyan businesses are overlooking the audio content marketing opportunity.
According to the JWT Intelligence Future 100 report, sound is becoming a key channel alongside watching or streaming TV. It is also being cross-pollinated with other channels creating media ecosystems.
