# Guru Network

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/guru-network

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: San Francisco, US
- Website: www.castbox.fm
- Total disclosed funding: $30M
- Latest round: Series B (Apr 25, 2018)
- Investors on record: 6

## About

Guru Network Limited operates Castbox, a comprehensive podcast platform that allows users to search, listen to, and download a vast library of audio content across multiple devices.Founded in 2016 in San Francisco, US, Guru Network Limited is the developer of Castbox, a podcast application that has undergone strategic enhancements since its inception. The company has completed 4 deals, with its latest funding round being a Series B valued at USD 13.5 mn on April 25, 2018, co-led by SIG Asia Investment and IDG Capital, along with participation from GSR Ventures, ZhenFund, and Qiming Venture Partners. The company is led by CEO Renee Wang, who co-founded Castbox with Shibin Li.Castbox is primarily recognized for its flagship product, a free podcast application designed for diverse platforms including Android, iOS, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Carplay, and Android Auto. The app features an extensive library boasting over 259 million volumes of audio content, catering to a broad spectrum of users such as podcast enthusiasts, casual listeners, and content creators. It enables users to search, listen to, and download podcasts without any cost, thereby enhancing accessibility to audio content for a global audience. The application's design focuses on user-friendliness, employing advanced features such as personalized recommendations, in-audio search functionality, and integration with smart devices. Castbox primarily operates in various international markets, making its services available to users in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, thus facilitating a far-reaching connection to audio content.Castbox generates revenue through a mixed model that includes advertising and potential partnerships. Users have access to the core functionalities of the app for free, but the company supplements its income through targeted advertisements within the platform. The app may also offer premium subscription options, enabling users to access exclusive content or advanced features, thereby creating a direct-to-consumer revenue stream. This subscription model allows users to pay a fixed fee for enhanced services, ensuring a steady cash flow.In April 2018, Guru Network Limited raised USD 13.5 mn in Series B financing to support its growth initiatives, focusing on expanding its product offerings and geographic reach. The company aims to enhance its podcasting platform by introducing new features and services designed for content creators. Additionally, it plans to expand its market presence in regions such as Europe and Asia by the end of 2023, leveraging its recent funding to develop strategic partnerships and optimize user engagement.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Apr 25, 2018, $14M — GSR Ventures, Qiming Venture Partners, IDG Capital, SIG Asia Investment, ZhenFund
- Series A, Oct 23, 2017, $13M — GSR Ventures, Qiming Venture Partners, IDG Capital, SIG Asia Investment, ZhenFund
- Series A, Jul 1, 2016, $2.2M — IDG Capital, ZhenFund, Mobvista International Technology Limited
- Angel, Mar 1, 2016, $1M — ZhenFund

## Investors

- ZhenFund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/zhenfund) — Angel, Series A, Series B
- IDG Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/idg-capital) — Series A, Series B
- Mobvista International Technology Limited — Series A
- GSR Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/gsr-ventures) — Series A, Series B
- Qiming Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/qiming-venture-partners) — Series A, Series B
- SIG Asia Investment (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sig-asia-investment) — Series A, Series B