Google just bought a podcast app cofounded by former Netflix executives (GOOG, GOOGL)
Google has purchased podcast app 60db, which will shut down on November 10, Business Insider has learned.
"We are thrilled to be joining the team at Google. We can’t talk (yet) about what we are going to be up to, but we are are really excited and eager to tell you more soon," cofounder Steve Henn said in a note sent to contacts.
Henn confirmed the acquisition to Business Insider, but declined to comment further. A Google representative confirmed the acquisition and referred us to the startup's farewell Medium post. The price couldn't immediately be learned.
60dB launched last fall with a focus on personalizing short-form audio for individual listeners. Personalization is a major focus for Google Play Music, the company's music subscription.
One of the defining features of the app is a section called "Quick Hits," which is a feed of shorter audio stories. Although Google may have the ambition to be a major hub for podcast listeners, The New York Times reported last year that 65% of podcasts are listened to through Apple's built-in iPhone app.
In his goodbye note to contacts, Henn said that active 60db users were listening more than an hour per day.
60db had raised seed funding from companies including Kholsa Ventures, TechCrunch reported. Henn founded the company with two longtime Netflix executives, Steve McLendon and John Ciancutti, according to TechCrunch.
Here's what the app looked like on Tuesday:
Screenshot
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