Top 14 Corporate Event Planning Investors in the U.S.
Top 14 Corporate Event Planning Investors in the U.S.
The corporate event planning industry in the U.S. is a thriving sector focused on the organization and execution of events, from corporate meetings to large-scale trade shows. Companies specializing in this field range from event design firms to technology startups enhancing event management through innovative platforms. Key offerings include venue selection, logistics planning, audio-visual services, and attendee engagement solutions. With the rise of hybrid and virtual events, fueled by advancements in technology, the industry is adapting to a new era of immersive experiences. Trends indicate a growing emphasis on sustainability and personalization, suggesting a dynamic future ahead.
The list features a mix of investors shaping the corporate event planning industry. These include venture capital firms like Y Combinator and major corporates such as Live Nation, showcasing various financial models. Spanning locales from San Francisco to New York, these investors engage actively, with over 800 deals collectively made in 2024. Founded from 1983 to 2023, their company sizes range from small teams to large corporations, reflecting a broad spectrum of investment strategies aimed at enhancing event management solutions.
Top 14 Corporate Event Planning Investors in the US
1. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the corporate event planning sector, participating in funding rounds for companies such as Social Tables, which raised $8 million in Series A funding, and EventX, which secured $1.15 million in a Seed Round. Additionally, they invested in Event Banana and Peatix, both of which are platforms that facilitate event management and planning. These transactions highlight 500 Global's engagement in the corporate event planning industry, showcasing their interest in innovative solutions that enhance event experiences.
2. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in companies such as InEvent, which raised $1,000,000 in a Seed Round in 2019 and focuses on event management solutions, and TeamOut, which raised $2,200,000 in a Seed Round in 2022, also related to event planning. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the corporate event planning sector, making it a relevant investor in this field.
3. Government of Canada
- Website: canada.ca
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 137
- LinkedIn: government-of-canada
The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2023, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in supporting the corporate event planning sector through various grants. Notable transactions include a $60,000 grant to Richmond Event Management, which is directly involved in event planning, and a substantial $10 million grant to the Pacific National Exhibition, a significant event venue. Other grants to organizations like Windsor Masonic Temple and Mary Brown's Centre further illustrate the government's role in supporting venues and organizations that facilitate corporate events, thereby contributing to the corporate event planning landscape.
4. Live Nation Entertainment
- Website: livenationentertainment.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: live-nation
Live Nation Entertainment is a leading live entertainment company based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 1996. The company specializes in producing concerts, selling tickets, and connecting brands to music, serving music fans, artists, and brands globally. In recent years, Live Nation has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the event planning sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a majority stake in Goodlive GmbH, a German promoter and booking agency, and the MEO Arena in Lisbon, which will further solidify their event management capabilities. Additionally, their acquisition of Bergen Live in Norway and Mellen Events in Western Australia demonstrates their commitment to expanding their global portfolio of events and enhancing their operational capabilities in major markets. These activities position Live Nation as a key player in the corporate event planning industry, as they facilitate a wide range of live performances and sponsorship opportunities.
5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality startup opportunities. Notably, the fund has invested in PartySlate, which raised $3 million in a seed round, a platform that caters to event professionals, and Brella, a hybrid events platform that raised $10 million in Series A funding. Brella has pivoted to focus on immersive hybrid events, combining live and virtual components, which is particularly relevant in the current corporate event landscape. Additionally, the fund has invested in Happied, which, while not directly related to corporate events, indicates a broader interest in innovative platforms that could intersect with event planning.
6. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to corporate event planning, such as Bizly, which raised $3 million in a seed round in 2019, focusing on event management solutions. They also participated in the Series A funding for PartySlate in 2023, a platform designed for event professionals to showcase their work and connect with clients. These investments highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the corporate event planning sector, alongside their broader focus on e-commerce and logistics.
7. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center
Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, particularly in the technology sector. With a robust portfolio of 253 investments in 2024 alone, Plug and Play has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing business development through various programs, including accelerator initiatives. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in companies relevant to corporate event planning, such as TROOP, which raised $8 million in a Series A round to streamline travel for corporate events, and Evnts, which focuses on event management solutions. These investments highlight Plug and Play's active role in supporting startups that cater to the corporate event planning industry.
8. Blackstone
- Website: blackstone.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: blackstonegroup
Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investments. Among its notable transactions in the corporate event planning context, Blackstone acquired PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, in June 2018, enhancing its footprint in the event management industry. Additionally, the firm acquired Clarion Events in July 2017, further expanding its influence in organizing and managing events. The acquisition of the NEC Group in October 2018, which includes major venues for events, also underscores Blackstone's commitment to the corporate event planning sector. These strategic investments reflect Blackstone's focus on building strong businesses and delivering exceptional event experiences.
9. Goodwater Capital
- Website: goodwatercap.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2014
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 41
- LinkedIn: goodwater-capital
Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in companies relevant to corporate event planning, such as Venu, a platform for event management, yhangry, which focuses on catering services, and Weddily, a wedding planning service. These investments highlight Goodwater's engagement in the event planning space, making them a relevant player in this industry.
10. Accel
- Website: accel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 101
- LinkedIn: accel-vc
Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. With a global presence that includes offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China, Accel has a strong track record of supporting innovative companies. Notably, Accel has invested in Airmeet, a virtual events platform that raised significant funding in multiple rounds, including a $35 million Series B round in 2022, which aims to expand its global market presence and enhance its product offerings. Additionally, Accel invested in Eventifier, a tool designed to create social media archives for events, which received funding to scale its operations. These transactions highlight Accel's engagement in the corporate event planning space, making them a relevant investor in this category.
11. Bessemer Venture Partners
- Website: bvp.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1911
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 78
- LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners
Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has made significant investments in the corporate event planning space, including a Series A investment of $8 million in Social Tables, an events planning platform, in 2014, followed by a Series B investment of $13 million in 2016. Additionally, they invested in DoubleDutch, a company that offers event management solutions, with multiple funding rounds totaling $115 million from 2014 to 2018. These transactions highlight Bessemer's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the event planning industry, showcasing their relevance in this sector.
12. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Paperless Post, which raised $25 million in a Series C funding round. Paperless Post is known for its online invitation services, which are directly applicable to corporate event planning. Additionally, SV Angel has invested in other startups like Zerocater and Thisopenspace, which, while not directly related to event planning, showcase their commitment to supporting innovative companies in various sectors.
13. Goldman Sachs
- Website: goldmansachs.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 59
- LinkedIn: goldman-sachs
Goldman Sachs is an investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. It provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In 2024, Goldman Sachs has been particularly active, with notable transactions such as the acquisition of TAIT, an engineering firm recognized for designing stages for major events, including high-profile concerts like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. This acquisition highlights Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the corporate event planning sector. Additionally, they have invested in Montage Hotels & Resorts, which further emphasizes their engagement in industries related to corporate events and hospitality.
14. Liquid 2 Ventures
- Website: liquid2.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 91
- LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures
Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures participated in the seed funding round for Joy, a digital wedding planner, which raised $4.5 million in 2016. This investment highlights their engagement in the corporate event planning space, alongside other technology-focused investments such as Circa, Glytch, and Glue. Their focus on supporting exceptional founders to build lasting companies positions them as a potential ally for startups in the event planning industry.
Corporate Event Planning Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
| Live Nation Entertainment | Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1996 | 5 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
| Goodwater Capital | Burlingame, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2014 | 41 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| Bessemer Venture Partners | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1911 | 78 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
| Liquid 2 Ventures | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2015 | 91 |
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