The event management industry in Europe is vibrant and dynamic, encompassing a range of companies dedicated to organizing, planning, and executing various events. These include trade shows, conferences, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. From specialized event planners to venue providers, businesses in this sector focus on creating memorable experiences for clients through tailored services. The industry is poised for growth, embracing technology such as virtual and hybrid event solutions, responding to changing consumer preferences. Insights reveal a rising demand for sustainable practices in event management, fostering innovation and investments to meet the evolving needs of hosts and attendees alike.


The list of investors in Europe's event management sector includes a mix of venture capital firms, private equity players, and corporate giants. Headquartered primarily in major cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm, these investors vary in size with employee counts ranging from small teams to thousands. Established between 1967 and 2015, their 2024 deal counts showcase a vibrant interest in the industry, with notable transactions occurring across the board. Investors like LDC and Bpifrance stand out for their commitment to supporting growth within this crucial sector, reflecting a strong belief in its future potential.


Top 16 Event Management Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the event management sector, such as the seed funding of BizMeeting, which raised $1,133,133 in June 2016, and Bird Office, which secured $10,256,768 in a venture round in July 2022. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that enhance the event management landscape.


2. The Access Group

  • Website: theaccessgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Loughborough, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: accessgroup

The Access Group is a corporate investor based in Loughborough, England, founded in 1991. It is a leading business software company that provides a range of IT solutions, including care management software, recruitment CRM systems, and payroll systems, serving over 100,000 organizations across various sectors. Notably, The Access Group has made significant acquisitions in the event management context, including DesignMyNight, which offers event planning and management services, and ResDiary, a booking and management software for restaurants and venues. These acquisitions enhance The Access Group's portfolio in the event management industry, allowing them to leverage their resources for growth in this sector. The company operates primarily in the UK, Ireland, US, and Asia Pacific, focusing on enhancing productivity and streamlining operations through innovative software solutions.


3. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the event management industry, including the acquisition of The National Exhibition Centre Group from Birmingham City Council for approximately £307 million in 2015. This acquisition included various venues and agencies associated with the NEC Group, highlighting LDC's commitment to enhancing growth and strategic initiatives in the event sector. Additionally, LDC acquired NEC Group for $464.8 million in the same year, further emphasizing their focus on event management. In 2023, LDC also participated in a funding round for Star Live, indicating their ongoing interest in companies within the event management space.


4. Informa

  • Website: informa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: informa

Informa plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in publishing and business intelligence, with a significant focus on event management. Founded in 1998, Informa has grown to become a major player in connecting businesses and academic institutions through specialized knowledge and networking opportunities. In recent years, Informa has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its event management capabilities, including the acquisition of Tarsus Group for approximately $945 million in March 2023, which bolstered its event portfolio. In July 2024, Informa made a cash offer of £1.2 billion for Ascential, a UK-based events company known for high-profile conferences like Money20/20 and Cannes Lions, further expanding its market presence. Additionally, Informa acquired Hobby Star Marketing in 2013, known for organizing Fan Expo Canada, and Winsight in May 2023 for $380 million, both of which contribute to its global events portfolio. These transactions highlight Informa's strategic focus on enhancing its event management offerings and its role as a significant investor in the event management industry.


5. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Naboo, a corporate offsite booking platform that raised €7.5 million in funding to expand its operations in Europe. They also participated in the funding of Bird Office, which raised over $10 million, and RLTY, a startup that focuses on event management solutions. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies within the event management space, further solidifying their role as a relevant investor in this industry.


6. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the event management industry, including investments in Liveside Event AB, which focuses on event management services, and Boka konferens, a platform for booking conferences. Additionally, they have invested in EasyArr, which provides event management solutions, and Boka.se, a booking service that may cater to event-related needs. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the event management sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


7. GL events

  • Website: gl-events.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: gl-events

GL events is a prominent corporate investor based in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, specializing in event management. Founded in 1978, the company has established itself as a leader in organizing events, managing venues, and providing comprehensive exhibition services. GL events offers a wide range of solutions, including audiovisual services, stand construction, and energy solutions, ensuring successful and memorable events for its clients. The company has made significant strides in expanding its market presence through strategic acquisitions, such as acquiring a 60% stake in the Johannesburg Expo Centre, enhancing its footprint in Africa and expected to boost annual sales by over €15 million. Additionally, GL events acquired the Jaulin Group to strengthen its service offerings in the Île-de-France region and has also acquired Brelet SAS and Field & Lawn Ltd., further solidifying its position in the event management industry. These transactions highlight GL events' active role and commitment to the event management sector.


8. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

  • Website: eventim.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cts-eventim-ag

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA, founded in 1999 and based in Bremen, Germany, is a leading corporate investor in the event management industry. The company specializes in ticketing services and event promotion, providing comprehensive ticketing solutions for concerts, festivals, and other live entertainment events. CTS EVENTIM operates a digital platform for ticket sales and collaborates with various promoters across multiple countries. Notable transactions include the acquisition of ABC Production in 2013, ARENA Management in 2012, and a 51% stake in the Italian concert promoter Vertigo in 2017, which marked its expansion into the Italian live entertainment market. These acquisitions reflect CTS EVENTIM's strategic focus on enhancing its event management capabilities and expanding its international presence.


9. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Among their notable transactions, BGF has invested in Eventmaster, which raised approximately $4.36 million in June 2024, indicating their commitment to the event management sector. They also led a £3 million Series A funding round for TickX in 2018, a platform that facilitates the discovery of events and attractions, further showcasing their engagement in the event management industry. Additionally, their investment in Vosaio, a global specialist in group travel, highlights their interest in sectors that complement event management, such as travel and hospitality.


10. Portugal Ventures


Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm invests in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, providing both capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the event management industry, such as their investment in TAIKAI Labs, a hackathon management platform that raised €2 million in funding. Additionally, they have invested in companies like beamian and Strayboots, which are also related to event management and engagement solutions. These investments highlight Portugal Ventures' commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the event management sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


11. Seedrs

  • Website: seedrs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: seedrs

Seedrs Limited (trading as Republic Europe) is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that connects investors with startups and businesses seeking capital. Founded in 2009, Seedrs offers equity crowdfunding, investment opportunities, and advisory services, catering to both individual investors and businesses. The platform facilitates access to early-stage investments and provides a marketplace for capital raising. Notably, Seedrs has been involved in several transactions relevant to the event management sector, including EventsCase, which raised $455,000 in a seed round in September 2016, and Wedding Planner, which raised $62,286 in May 2016. Additionally, they have invested multiple times in virtuall, a company that may also have ties to event management, further showcasing their engagement in this industry.


12. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in DoubleDutch, a company that raised $45 million in Series E funding in 2015, which specializes in event management software. They also invested in Let’s Do This, which raised $5 million in a seed round in 2019, a platform that connects users with events. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' engagement in the event management sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that enhance event experiences.


13. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform emphasizes promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the event management industry, including Encore Musicians, which raised $787,782 in July 2023. This platform connects musicians with event organizers, showcasing Crowdcube's engagement in the event management sector. Other transactions include funding for companies like Wizme and Yuup, which may also have applications in event management, further highlighting Crowdcube's diverse investment portfolio.


14. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has invested in companies like Ex Ordo, which specializes in scholarly conference workflows, securing over $3 million in funding to enhance its events platform. Additionally, it has supported Future Ticketing, a provider of cloud-based digital ticketing software, with €250,000 in funding, highlighting its engagement in the event management sector. These transactions demonstrate Enterprise Ireland's active role in fostering innovation and growth within the event management industry.


15. Tarsus Group

  • Website: tarsus.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: tarsus-group

Tarsus Group is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in event management through the organization of trade shows and exhibitions. Founded in 1998, Tarsus Group connects businesses and organizations with opportunities to showcase their products and services, facilitating networking and industry engagement. The company has made significant acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including E.J. Krause & Associates in 2018, Smarter Shows in 2019, and a joint venture with AMB Group in 2015. In 2021, Tarsus expanded its healthcare division by acquiring two US health events businesses, FounderMade and Health Connect Partners, for a total of $25 million. Additionally, Tarsus entered the electronics sector in China by acquiring a 70% stake in Shenzhen Zhong Xin Cai Exhibition Company in 2019. These strategic acquisitions highlight Tarsus Group's active role in the event management industry and its focus on growth within this sector.


16. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among its notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Veertly, a German-Swiss virtual events platform that raised €1.9 million in a seed round, highlighting its engagement in the event management sector. Additionally, Sictic has been involved in other startups like Smeetz, which focuses on ticketing and event management solutions, further emphasizing its relevance in this industry.



Event Management Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
The Access GroupLoughborough, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-10000199112
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
InformaLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19984
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
GL eventsLyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France1001-500019780
CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaABremen, Bremen, Germany1001-500019991
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Portugal VenturesPorto, Porto, Portugal11-5020126
SeedrsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020092
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
Tarsus GroupLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019980
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477


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