Established by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster swiftly emerged as Dubai's foremost podcast hub, boasting three thriving locations across the city. Its mission revolves around democratising top-tier podcast production, enabling individuals and businesses alike to articulate their knowledge and narratives, thereby harnessing the transformative potential of podcasts. The inception of Poddster stemmed from Zlatarov's personal journey, initiated in 2020 when he launched his podcast, The Change Officer, in pursuit of fostering meaningful connections with influential individuals who could positively impact his life and ventures. Two years and 200 episodes later, Poddster materialised, democratizing professional podcast production for all.
Reflecting on the debut of the Singapore studios, Poddster Co-founder Zlatarov remarked, "Our vision encompasses establishing a network of hubs that congregate some of the most inspiring personalities, fostering mutual learning and growth through an immersive podcasting experience. Strategically positioned, Singapore stands as a pivotal city, attracting influential figures and commercial endeavours across the Asia Pacific region. The burgeoning podcast industry in Singapore and its environs signifies a growing affinity for podcast consumption."
Echoing these sentiments, Poddster’s Co-Founder and Asia Pacific CEO, Borko Kovacevic, emphasised, "Singapore presents a captivating market opportunity for us. Historically renowned as a premier destination for global enterprises, Singapore has witnessed a remarkable surge in daily and weekly podcast consumption, with listeners engaging with three to five podcasts weekly. Notably, over 90 percent of listeners in Singapore have taken actionable steps post-listening to podcast advertisements, underscoring the demand for premium studios like Poddster, prioritising unwavering service excellence."
Anticipating continued global expansion, Poddster is poised to establish its presence in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Australia by 2025. According to YouGov, the projected surge in podcast listenership to 504.9 million in 2024 positions the MENA region among the highest per capita of podcast enthusiasts globally.