India’s first podcast-only media startup Suno India (www.sunoindia.in) is thrilled to announce that Shobu Yarlagadda, co-founder and CEO of Arka Media Works has come onboard as an angel investor.
“At a time when most mainstream media is sensationalising news for sake of TRPs many news stories that deserve our real attention are left out. Suno India, through their podcasts is focusing and bringing to light social and current issues that really need to be discussed and debated! I am happy to be associated with this young team in a small way and wish them all the success”, said Mr. Yarlagadda.
This investment round is the latest addition to the accolades received by the two-year-old startup. In 2019, Suno India was awarded funding from the Independent and Public Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF) to expand its programming offer. Suno India recently crossed an important milestone of half a million listeners with their combination of news reporting (The Suno India Show), vernacular storytelling shows (Katha Chepava Ammamma) and deep-dive thematic shows such as Raah, a career guidance podcast.
“My team and I are delighted. Suno India exists to shine a spotlight on under reported issues that are fundamental to our rights as citizens of India. His support and trust brings us one step closer to being an industry leader nationally and globally,” said DVL Padma Priya, co-founder and editor of Suno India.
This investment will enable Suno India to further capitalise on its position as a leader in the podcast industry in India by rapidly expanding its vernacular content. They bring their commitment to reach the next 500 million listeners with relevant and informative content to communities across tier 1,2 and 3 cities in India.
About Shobu Yarlagadda:
Shobu Yarlagadda is the CEO, and co-founder of Arka Mediaworks; a leading film and television production house based in India.
Established in 2001, Arka Mediaworks has produced several successful and critically acclaimed television shows and films; “Vedam”, “Maryada Ramanna”, and most recently, S.S Rajamouli’s two-part Indian epic, “Baahubali”. The Baahubali films had the highest ever budget for an Indian film at the time of production, with a combined budget of over US$65 million for both films. Both the Baahubali films grossed over US$ 385 million worldwide and garnered many awards and accolades including the National Film Awards.
Shobu has been instrumental in making Baahubali, a predominantly regional Indian film, a success across the nation and in several global markets including Japan, the Middle East and South East Asia. He also played a key role in extending the Baahubali world beyond films, making it India’s biggest and most successful tent-pole franchise; comprising of an animated series on Amazon Prime, a novel trilogy, graphic novels, virtual reality, mobile games, merchandising, and an upcoming Netflix original series, among others.
Shobu serves as member of the National Committee of Media & Entertainment, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and a Member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (Emmy’s).
About Suno India
Suno India is a multilingual- multi-generational podcast platform solely dedicated to audio-stories on issues that matter. Suno India shines a spotlight on under-represented and under-reported stories using audio as a medium.
Started in September 2018, by DVL Padma Priya, Rakesh Kamal and Tarun Nirwan, Suno India has become a renowned name in the Indian podcast industry with over half a million listeners. With a small team of 6 including Ayesha Minhaz, Kunika Balhotra and Vaishali Pandiyen, Suno India currently has 13 podcast shows in multiple languages.
Suno India’s Board of Advisors is comprised of Abhay Adhikari (PhD) founder of Digital Identities and Giulia Rancati, an expert financial strategist who have been pivotal in the growth of the company.