Zodiak TV founder Patrick Svensk launches podcast investment firm

Patrick Svensk

Former Zodiak Media and Kanal 5 exec Patrick Svensk has launched a new Stockholm-based firm involved in the podcast industry.

PodX Group aims to assist creatives by investing in their output and IP, offering financing, business development and commercialisation for producers.

He has co-founded the company with Fredrik Said, the former head of new market expansion at podcast platform, Acast, and Staffan Rosell, who led SBS Radio’s Nordic operations and was CEO of Bauer Media.

The company will invest in podcast creators to help them grow and is also backed by Stockholm-based Pophouse Entertainment, which was established last month and has bought the back catalogue of electronic music pioneers, Swedish House Mafia.

“There is a wealth of talent in the industry that creates great content, but many players lack the resources to realise their ambitions,” said Rosell. “PodX Group will be active owners and offer financing, business development, internationalisation, and commercialisation to the companies we invest in.”

Russell said the focus would initially be on Europe “but we also see great potential in Latin America, India, and Africa. By gathering talent and rights from around the world, we will be able to create economies of scale at every level.”

Svensk previously launched Kanal 5 in Sweden before founding Zodiak TV, which he sold to DeAgostini. It was subsequently brought together with UK group RDF to form Zodiak Media Group (now part of Banijay).

He then joined Modern Times Group (MTG) in 2011 to be VP of content & chairman of its Modern Studios business in 2011, before leaving in 2014. Since then, he has held roles including CEO of events firm Bright Group, which has since been acquired by Creative Technology Northern Europe.

PodX is headquartered in Stockholm and has employees in 10 markets, including Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Latin America.

TBI understands former NENT UK and DRG chief Richard Halliwell, who left the company when it was bought by All3Media last year, is assisting with the UK partnership strategy. NENT, now rebranded as Viaplay, bought DRG in 2013, when the Nordic firm was still known as MTG.