CHICAGO — The Events Venture Group (EVG) announced it completed an investment in Explori, just on the heels of its announcement of investing in Deep Tech Momentum.
Explori, a global provider of benchmarking and intelligence for the events industry, helps organizers, associations and corporations to better understand their success and scale their businesses through meaningful data and insights.
“In my experience, having been a part of a lot of launches, when you get it right, it’s because you really understand your market — you really understand what they want and need,” said Greg Topalian, Founder of On Deck Ventures and a Founding EVG Board Member. “And I’ve known Mark Brewster and Explori for a long time, and I’ve always respected him, the brand and what they do. But the thought of here’s a company taking a leadership position around benchmarking, around getting those insights and figuring out, whether it be commercial events or corporate events, the idea of who’s it for, what are we getting out of this and where should it go from here, is worthy of investing in. I think they’re doing important work for us as an industry.”
Related. Events Venture Group Completes Investment in Deep Tech Momentum
Explori will be positioned for accelerated product and AI innovation, and expanding its intelligence services through the investment.
“This syndication is more than just capital — it’s a true partnership with operators and investors who have scaled events, and event technology, from the ground up. With EVG’s backing, we’re ready to ignite Explori’s next phase of growth,” stated Mark Brewster, Explori’s Founder and CEO.
And investors from EVG are ready to provide more than just financial resources to help Explori in its next phase.
“I think the opportunity with event tech is to better align with operators and what they actually want solved,” Topalian said. “What I love about this is to be able to work with Mark and his team and to not tell them what to do but be a sounding board as someone who’s been a big operator, has been a little company and who’s been a launcher and acquirer.”
Interested in EVG?
EVG, the venture-backed community looking to connect entrepreneurs with investors and leaders, marks its third deal in the last year with the investment in Explori.
“In its third syndication within a year, EVG has demonstrated resilience and conviction in the live events sector,” stated Marilú Páez, EVG Co-Founder. “The company’s consistent deal flow aligns with venture capital ratios, reinforcing its mission to empower event entrepreneurs with transformative capital and operational expertise.”
Topalian shared that being an EVG member requires commitment and a willingness to share insights to help others.
“You can think of it like Shark Tank. We haven’t created an investment fund and then make decisions as a fund; you’re making these decisions individually. There’s a $3,000 annual membership fee and you do have to be qualified. You have to have the access to capital to make investments,” Topalian said.
And for entrepreneurs looking for financial investments or other kinds of support: “Reach out. I think you’ll find it productive even if you’re not at the point that you’re raising funds. I guarantee they will find it a good exercise, and they’ll end up talking to someone who is helpful in the overall process,” Topalian said. “Needs are all a little different, for some money is not what they’re looking for and it’s more about guidance and advice.”
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