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Based in Santa Barbara, California, Autio is a mobile application developer that provides a subscription-based platform delivering GPS-triggered audio stories for road trippers and travelers. The freemium software utilizes location data to automatically play professionally narrated vignettes detailing the history, culture, and natural environments of a user's immediate surroundings. Operating within the travel and audio entertainment sectors, the enterprise maintains a digital library of over 23,000 stories and reached an estimated valuation of $20 million in 2025 following revenue growth from $200,000 in 2021 to over $700,000 in 2022. The platform features content voiced by notable guest narrators including Kevin Costner, John Lithgow, and Phil Jackson, and previously received a proposed $1 million investment offer from Kevin O'Leary. Originally launched under the name HearHere, Autio was founded in 2017 by Woody Sears, Kevin Costner, and Bill Werlin.
AUTIO has raised $6.8M across 3 funding rounds.
AUTIO has raised $6.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
AUTIO has raised $6.8M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Seed in March 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2023 | $2M Seed | Iheartmedia | Banana Capital, Founders Fund, Y Combinator, TIM Ferriss, Eric Ries, Blue 9 Capital, Cooley, Kern Venture Group, Seraph Group, Stonks Fund | Announced |
| Feb 28, 2022 | $3.2M Seed | Camping World | AAA, Pasadena Angels, Seraph Group | Announced |
| Apr 2, 2021 | $1.6M Pre Seed | — | Kevin Costner, Marcus Lemonis, AAA, Cooley, NextGen Venture Partners, Snap | Announced |
Autio is a mobile app that delivers location-based audio storytelling for travelers, using GPS to automatically play narrated stories about nearby landmarks, cities, and towns.[1][2][4] It serves road trippers and explorers seeking hands-free historical, cultural, and educational content, solving the problem of engaging, context-aware entertainment that enhances travel without distracting from the road.[1][2][5] With over 20,000 stories across the US and expanding internationally, Autio has shown strong growth: from 1,500 stories at 2020 launch to 230,000+ users by 2023, plus revenue jumps from $200K in 2021 to $700K+ in 2022, fueled by Shark Tank exposure (464% download spike) and partnerships like JetBlue and AAA.[2][5]
Autio, originally launched as HearHere in August 2020, was co-founded by CEO Woody Sears (a software developer and avid road-tripper), Bill Werlin, and actor Kevin Costner, who joined after his wife introduced him to the concept.[1][2][5] Sears envisioned a hands-free app to immerse drivers in local history and culture during lesser-known routes, addressing gaps in traditional guides.[5] Early traction came quickly with 1,500 initial stories; a 2023 Shark Tank appearance (rejecting $1M from Kevin O’Leary) drove massive growth, alongside $5.9M seed funding led by iHeartMedia.[2] Rebranded as Autio, it has evolved from US-focused narratives to global ambitions, now boasting celebrity narrators like Costner, John Lithgow, and Phil Jackson.[1][2][4]
Autio rides the wave of location-based services (LBS) and audio entertainment booms, amplified by post-pandemic road travel surges and podcasts' rise (e.g., Spotify/Apple dominance).[2][4] Timing aligns with GPS tech maturity and traveler demand for personalized, ad-free experiences amid tourism recovery—US road trips hit record highs, favoring apps over billboards.[5] Market tailwinds include AR/VR travel hybrids and airline integrations, positioning Autio against fragmented competitors in a $100B+ global tourism tech space.[1][2] It influences the ecosystem by elevating audio as an educational tool, partnering with media giants (iHeartMedia) and historic groups, while pushing underrepresented stories to foster cultural curiosity.[4][5]
Autio's trajectory points to global dominance as the "platform for local stories," with Android launch, international expansion (Europe/Asia/Mexico/Australia), and Playlist features unlocking non-travel listening.[2][4][5] Trends like AI-narrated content, AR overlays, and experiential travel (e.g., via partnerships) will accelerate growth, potentially scaling users beyond 1M as subscriptions hit $50/year parity with rivals.[2][5] Its influence may evolve from niche road-trip enhancer to everyday discovery app, blending education, entertainment, and commerce—watch for acquisitions by travel giants like TripAdvisor. This builds on its core strength: turning every mile into a story, just as Costner's vision promised.[2][5]
AUTIO has raised $6.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
AUTIO's investors include iHeartMedia, Banana Capital, Founders Fund, Y Combinator, Tim Ferriss, Eric Ries, Blue 9 Capital, Cooley, Kern Venture Group, Seraph Group, Stonks Fund, Camping World.
