Top 15 Event Management Investors in the US
Top 15 Event Management Investors in the US
The event management industry in the U.S. encompasses a variety of businesses dedicated to planning, coordinating, and executing events of all sizes. This sector includes companies like event planners, production services, venues, and technology platforms, offering services from logistics to attendee engagement solutions. As technology furthers, we see a trend toward virtual and hybrid events, spurred by the unexpected challenges of recent times. Companies now prioritize sustainability and enhanced experiences, showcasing innovations such as augmented reality and integrated event solutions to captivate audiences. This evolution signals an exciting future for industry professionals and attendees alike.
The investors featured in this list represent a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms primarily located in New York, California, and across the U.S. Ranging from large firms like Blackstone to smaller, nimble players like Goodwater Capital, these investors vary in size and risk appetite. Having been established from the mid-20th century to recent years, each has actively contributed to the event management sector. Notably, they collectively made hundreds of deals in 2024, highlighting their commitment to fostering growth among innovative companies in this dynamic industry.
Top 15 Event Management 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 not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders scale their businesses. 500 Global operates globally and focuses on innovative startups that require support in navigating the challenges of growth and market entry. Among their notable transactions in the event management sector, they invested in EventX, which raised $1,150,000 in a Seed Round in February 2017. They also participated in funding rounds for Social Tables, an events planning platform, which raised $1,600,000 in a Seed Round in July 2013 and $8 million in Series A funding in August 2014. Additionally, they invested in Peatix, which raised $1,000,000 in a Seed Round in July 2012, and Welcu, which also received funding in its Seed Round in December 2010. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement with companies that are integral to the event management industry.
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 helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed several companies in the event management sector, including InEvent, which raised $1 million in a seed round in 2019, TeamOut, which secured $2.2 million in a seed round in 2022, and Zuddl, which raised $2 million in a seed round in 2020. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with the event management industry, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.
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 needs such as 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 involved in several significant transactions within the event management sector, providing grants to organizations such as Richmond Event Management, which raised $60,000, and the Pacific National Exhibition, which received a substantial grant of $10,000,000. Other notable grants include support for the Windsor Masonic Temple and Mary Brown's Centre, highlighting the government's role in fostering the event management industry and its commitment to enhancing community engagement through events.
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 alike. Live Nation operates globally, managing a vast network of events and artists. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a majority stake in Goodlive GmbH, a German promoter and booking agency, and Mellen Events, the largest touring company in Western Australia, which enhances their operational footprint in major cities. Additionally, Live Nation's acquisition of Ticketmaster in 2009 for $2.5 billion solidified its position in the ticketing space. They also acquired a stake in the Rock in Rio festival, South America's largest music festival, and are in the process of acquiring a majority stake in Lisbon's MEO Arena, further showcasing their commitment to expanding their event management portfolio.
5. 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 achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries. Notably, they have made significant investments in the event management sector, including Bizly, which raised $3 million in a seed round to enhance event planning, and DoubleDutch, a platform for event engagement. In 2023, they participated in a Series A funding round for PartySlate, a platform designed for event professionals to showcase their work. Additionally, their investment in Fourvenues, which offers management software for the nightlife industry, highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that operate within the event management ecosystem.
6. 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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions within the event management space, including investments in PartySlate, a platform for event planning, and Brella, a hybrid events platform that combines live and virtual components, showcasing its commitment to the event management industry.
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, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions in the event management context are investments in Brella, a networking platform for events; Evnts, which focuses on event management solutions; CrowdPass, a platform for managing event attendance; and TROOP (formerly TroopTravel), which provides travel management solutions for groups attending events. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the event management 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 leading 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 creating value through strategic investments. In the event management context, Blackstone has made notable acquisitions such as PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, and the NEC Group, which includes major venues like the NEC and Resorts World Arena. Additionally, Blackstone acquired Clarion Events, a significant player in the event organization space. These transactions highlight Blackstone's active role in the event management industry, showcasing its strategy of investing in businesses that enhance event experiences and venue operations.
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 focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, while also aiming to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Notably, Goodwater has made investments in companies relevant to the event management industry, such as Venu, which raised funds in a Seed Round, and Weddily, which also secured funding in a Seed Round. These transactions highlight Goodwater's engagement with businesses that operate within the event management space, further solidifying its relevance in this category.
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 London, India, and China, Accel has a diverse portfolio. Notably, they have invested in Airmeet, a virtual events platform, participating in multiple funding rounds including Seed, Series A, and Series B, which collectively raised significant capital to enhance the platform's capabilities and market reach. Additionally, Accel invested in Eventifier, a tool that helps create social media archives of events, showcasing their interest in technologies that support event management. These transactions highlight Accel's active role in the event management industry, making them a relevant player in this space.
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 event management industry, including a Series A investment of $8 million in Social Tables, an events planning platform, and a Series B investment of $13 million in the same company. Additionally, they have invested in DoubleDutch, a company that raised substantial funding across multiple rounds, focusing on event management solutions. These investments highlight Bessemer's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the event management space, alongside their broader investment strategy.
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, SV Angel has invested in Paperless Post, which raised funds in both Series A and Series C rounds. Paperless Post is known for its online invitations and stationery, which are integral to event management. This involvement highlights SV Angel's potential interest in the event management space, despite their broader focus on technology startups.
13. Freeman Company
- Website: freeman.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1927
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- LinkedIn: the-freeman-company
Freeman Company is a corporate investor based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in event management. Founded in 1927, Freeman has built a reputation for creating memorable experiences through a comprehensive range of services, including AV production, corporate events, and trade shows. The company primarily serves businesses and organizations looking to enhance their brand presence and engage effectively with audiences. Freeman has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the event management space, including BaAM Productions, Encore Event Technologies, Convention Data Services, Exhibit Surveys, and Impact Point Group. These acquisitions have allowed Freeman to enhance its service offerings, improve its research and analytics capabilities, and expand its technology-focused consultancy services, further solidifying its role as a key player in the event management industry.
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 involvement highlights their interest in the event management industry, alongside their broader focus on supporting exceptional founders to build lasting companies. Other transactions include investments in companies like Circa, Glytch, and Glue, showcasing their diverse portfolio in the technology sector.
15. Level Equity
- Website: levelequity.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: level-equity
Level Equity is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in growth capital for technology-enabled businesses. Founded in 2009, the firm provides minority and majority growth equity, as well as structured equity and credit solutions, primarily targeting software companies looking to scale. Level Equity operates globally, with a focus on North America, Europe, and Oceania. Among their notable transactions, they invested $20 million in Allseated, a company that is pioneering innovative solutions for the hospitality and event industries, which includes a focus on immersive experiences through its Metaverse division. Additionally, they funded Vendini, a ticketing services company, with $20 million, enabling the company to expand its reach in the middle market for ticketing. These investments highlight Level Equity's active role in the event management sector, particularly in technology-driven solutions that enhance event experiences.
Event Management 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 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| 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 |
| Freeman Company | Dallas, Texas, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1927 | 0 |
| Liquid 2 Ventures | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2015 | 91 |
| Level Equity | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2009 | 4 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the event management industry?
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