The live event production industry in the US is a vibrant sector involving the planning, organizing, and execution of various events such as concerts, conferences, and festivals. Companies range from small venues and AV rental firms to large corporations that handle multi-million dollar productions. They offer services including stage design, sound engineering, ticketing solutions, and audience engagement technologies. As audiences increasingly favor immersive experiences, there's a pronounced shift towards hybrid events, blending live and digital formats. This evolving trend hints at a future where technology and creativity converge, enhancing the overall event experience for participants.

The investors listed are a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms, primarily located in major hubs like New York and San Francisco. Founded between 1912 and 2023, these firms range in size, with some employing over 10,000 people. Collectively, they participated in 1,683 deals in 2024, indicating their active role in shaping the future of event production. Their investments reflect a strong interest in innovative technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring the industry's growth and transformation amid changing audience expectations.

Top 17 Live Event Production Investors in the US

1. 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 corporate investor based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 1996. As the world's largest live entertainment company, it specializes in producing concerts, selling tickets, and connecting brands to music. The company operates globally, managing a vast network of events and artists. In recent years, Live Nation has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the live event production industry, including a controlling stake in Frank Productions, a major concert promoter, and a majority stake in Goodlive, a German booking agency. Additionally, their acquisition of Cuffe & Taylor, known for popular UK events, and DG Medios, a leading independent promoter in Chile, further illustrates their strategy to expand their footprint in the live music market. These transactions highlight Live Nation's active role in the live event production landscape, making them a key player in the 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 in the live event production context are InEvent, which raised $1,000,000 in a seed round in 2019, Zuddl, which raised $2,000,000 in a seed round in 2020, and The Ticket Fairy, which raised $120,000 in a seed round in 2015. These companies focus on event management and ticketing solutions, showcasing Y Combinator's involvement in the live event production industry.

3. 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. Among their notable transactions, they invested in EventX, which raised $1,150,000 in a seed round on February 15, 2017. EventX is a platform that offers solutions for event management, making it a relevant player in the live event production industry. Additionally, 500 Global has invested in Virtualtech Frontier, which, while primarily focused on a digital platform, showcases their interest in innovative technology that could intersect with live events. Overall, 500 Global's investment portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting companies that can enhance the live event experience through technology.

4. 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. In addition to these services, the Government has shown a commitment to supporting the live event production industry through various grants. Notable transactions include a $60,000 grant to Richmond Event Management, undisclosed amounts to Globus Theatre and The 7 Fingers, and a significant $10,000,000 grant to the Pacific National Exhibition. These investments highlight the Government's role in fostering the arts and live events, making it a relevant player in this sector.

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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, the fund participated in the funding rounds for Brella, a hybrid events platform that raised $10 million in Series A funding. Brella focuses on immersive hybrid events that integrate live and virtual components, showcasing the fund's engagement in the live event production industry. Additionally, the fund has been involved in other seed and Series A rounds for various startups, indicating a broad investment strategy while still touching on the live events sector.

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. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they participated in the funding of Fourvenues, a company that offers management software for the nightlife industry, which aligns with live event production. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Enigma.art and Bizly, which, while not directly related to live events, showcase their broad investment strategy in innovative companies.

7. Sony Music Entertainment

• Website: sonymusic.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1929
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: sony-music-entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a leading music entertainment company based in New York, specializing in music production, distribution, and artist management. Founded in 1929, the company has evolved to serve a diverse customer base, including music listeners and artists, by providing platforms for music access and career development. Recently, Sony Music has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the live event production space. Notably, the acquisition of Terrapin Station Entertainment in October 2020 marked a joint venture focused on creating family-centric tours and events, emphasizing collaboration to enhance live productions. Additionally, the acquisition of Proactiv Entertainment in May 2023 further solidified Sony's commitment to expanding its live entertainment offerings, as Proactiv is known for producing a variety of live events, including concerts and immersive experiences. These transactions highlight Sony Music's active role in the live event production industry, alongside its broader music entertainment initiatives.

8. The Carlyle Group

• Website: carlyle.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle has established itself as a leader in alternative asset classes. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired Disguise in March 2021, a company recognized for its innovative live event visualization solutions, showcasing their commitment to the live event production sector. Additionally, their acquisition of PrimeSport Holdings in February 2015, a company that specializes in sports travel and event management, further emphasizes their engagement in the live events industry. These strategic investments reflect Carlyle's aim to drive long-term value for its clients while actively participating in the dynamic live event production market.

9. 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. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for both institutional and individual investors. The firm is known for its strategic approach to building strong businesses and delivering lasting value. Among its notable transactions in the live event production context, Blackstone acquired PSAV, a leader in event experiences, in June 2018, showcasing its commitment to enhancing live event services. Additionally, the acquisition of the NEC Group in October 2018, which encompasses major venues like the NEC and Resorts World Arena, further highlights Blackstone's active role in the live event industry. Furthermore, the acquisition of Clarion Events in July 2017 adds to its portfolio of companies involved in organizing and managing live events, reinforcing Blackstone's position as a key player in this sector.

10. NBCUniversal

• Website: nbcuniversal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1912
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a prominent media and entertainment company based in New York, offering a diverse range of services including television programming, film production, and amusement park experiences. Founded in 1912, the company operates through various platforms such as NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock. Notably, NBCUniversal has made significant investments in the live event production space, including a 30% minority stake in Opry Entertainment Group, valued at approximately $1.415 billion. This investment highlights their commitment to the live entertainment sector, as Opry is known for its live music events and shows. Additionally, NBCUniversal has engaged in various funding rounds, including a $200 million investment in Vox Media, which, while not directly related to live events, showcases their active role in the broader entertainment landscape.

11. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among its notable transactions, SOSV invested in ExpoPromoter, a platform that facilitates event promotion, and 17LIVE, which focuses on live streaming and interactive experiences. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the live event production context, alongside its broader focus on health and climate technology.

12. 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 a leading investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele of corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Recently, Goldman Sachs Alternatives made headlines by acquiring a majority stake in TAIT, an engineering firm renowned for designing stages for major events, such as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, which highlights their strategic interest in the live event production sector. This acquisition aligns with their broader investment strategy, which encompasses various industries, indicating their capability and willingness to invest in live event production.

13. Comcast Ventures

• Website: comcastventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: comcast-ventures

Comcast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 1999, that invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Data & AI, Health Tech, and Energy & Sustainability. They leverage the resources of Comcast NBCUniversal to support the growth of their portfolio companies, primarily targeting early to growth stage businesses. Notably, Comcast Ventures has invested in Félix & Paul Studios, which raised $6.8 million to enhance VR production capabilities, indicating a commitment to innovative content creation that can be applied to live events. Additionally, their investment in Gigwell, which raised $1 million to improve the booking process for live events, showcases their interest in the live event production space. These transactions highlight Comcast Ventures' engagement with companies that have direct relevance to live event production, despite their broader investment strategy.

14. Universal Music Group

• Website: universalmusic.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1934
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: universalmusicgroup

Universal Music Group (UMG) is a prominent music production company based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 1934. UMG offers a wide range of services including music production, artist management, and distribution, supporting artists and songwriters globally. In recent years, UMG has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the live music sector. Notably, the acquisition of Office Augusta in 2016 aimed to enhance UMG's capabilities in live music and fan engagement. Furthermore, UMG's acquisition of a majority stake in Mavin Global in 2024 reflects its commitment to expanding its artist roster and influence in diverse markets. UMG's involvement in funding companies like Pogoseat, which enhances fan experiences at live events, underscores its active role in the live event production industry.

15. 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 connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Musixen, which raised $2 million in a seed round aimed at enhancing live music experiences, and CrowdPass, which raised funds likely related to event management solutions. These investments highlight their engagement in the live event production industry, alongside their broader focus on technology-driven startups.

16. The Raine Group

• Website: raine.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: the-raine-group

The Raine Group is an investment bank founded in 2009, based in New York City, specializing in advisory and investment services within the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. They provide a range of services including mergers and acquisitions advisory, private capital raising, and growth equity investments. Their clientele primarily consists of businesses in the TMT industries seeking strategic guidance and capital for growth. Notably, The Raine Group has been involved in several transactions relevant to live event production, including their investment in C3 Presents, which is known for organizing major music festivals and events. Additionally, they have invested in the Premier Lacrosse League, which focuses on live sports events and programming, indicating their active role in the live event production industry. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies within the entertainment and sports sectors.

17. Disney and ESPN Media Networks

• Website: thewaltdisneycompany.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: disney-and-espn-media-networks

Disney and ESPN Media Networks, a division of The Walt Disney Company, is a corporate investor based in Burbank, California, with a focus on entertainment and media. Founded in 2004, the company has a vast portfolio that includes movies, television shows, theme parks, and consumer products, catering to families and fans globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, which has expanded their storytelling capabilities and franchise offerings. Additionally, their participation in the Series A funding for Tyffon, an immersive entertainment company, highlights their interest in innovative experiences that can include live events. Disney's ESPN brand is particularly relevant in the live event production context, as it is a leader in broadcasting live sports events, further solidifying their role in this industry.

Live Event Production Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Live Nation Entertainment	Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)	10001+	1996	5
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Government of Canada	Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)	10001+	1999	137
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
Sony Music Entertainment	New York, New York, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1929	13
The Carlyle Group	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1987	25
Blackstone	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1985	57
NBCUniversal	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1912	2
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170
Goldman Sachs	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1998	59
Comcast Ventures	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	1999	4
Universal Music Group	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1934	9
Plug and Play Tech Center	Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2006	253
The Raine Group	New York, New York, United States (USA)	201-500	2009	8
Disney and ESPN Media Networks	Burbank, California, United States (USA)	10001+	2004	7

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