EVA, the innovative platform that connects event bookers with local performers, has recently secured $2 million in funding to support its city expansion plans. With the resurgence of in-person events, EVA has positioned itself as a valuable resource for event planners seeking to book entertainers for a variety of occasions. The Nashville-based startup, which exceeded its funding target by more than double, now boasts a valuation of $15 million.
The timing of this funding round is particularly opportune as event organizers are witnessing a significant uptick in attendance at in-person B2B conferences. According to a study by event management company Bizzabo, 86.4% of planners have invested in more in-person events in 2023. This growing demand for live events bodes well for EVA’s expansion plans.
Expanding its services to new markets is a key priority for EVA, with New York City being the first target for expansion in early December, followed closely by Los Angeles, California. Currently available in seven markets including Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Nashville, and New Orleans, EVA aims to cater to a wide range of event planners looking to book performers for corporate occasions, private parties, public events, college events, festivals, and weddings.
Upon creating an account on EVA, event organizers gain access to a diverse selection of entertainers, ranging from Santa Claus for Christmas parties to motivational speakers, musicians, magicians, and even Taylor Swift impersonators. The platform allows planners to input event details such as location, date, number of guests, budget, duration, required equipment, attire, and more, for performers to apply. EVA’s matching algorithm then suggests suitable entertainers, enabling event planners to review their profiles before making a booking. The platform’s “Teams” hub facilitates collaboration among team members on different events and streamlines the management of invoices.
EVA not only aims to streamline the event-hosting process but also seeks to provide emerging artists and local performers with access to larger events that they may not have had the opportunity to participate in previously. Many performers on the platform struggle to make a living from their craft, often being hired for small-scale events such as birthday parties or local bar gigs. EVA offers these artists greater exposure and a reliable source of income, potentially transforming their careers.
Local Nashville singer-songwriter, Tabitha Meeks, attested to the positive impact of EVA on her career, stating, “EVA has allowed me to not only grow as an artist but also live in a way that I can start to build my future…I am able to not just scrape by as a ‘starving artist,’ but actually save money.” The company has helped artists collectively earn $6 million over the past four years, with booking fees ranging from $600 to $7,500 on average.
Organizers using EVA are required to pay entertainers 50% of the deposit before the event, with the remaining balance due at least a week prior to the event. All performers must submit a professional video before being accepted on the platform. Additionally, EVA provides both parties with performance contracts and event insurance, ensuring a seamless and secure booking process for all involved.
The concept for EVA originated from the personal frustration experienced by co-founders Makenzie Stokel and Channing Moreland while studying at Belmont College. Both with music-related backgrounds, they observed the exploitation of many of their artist friends and felt that artists deserved to be paid for their craft. This led them to create an events discovery platform to promote their friends, which eventually evolved into EVA, offering a platform for event planning and performer bookings.
In 2019, EVA expanded its services to cater to corporations, attracting notable clients such as Amazon, BMW, Dell, ESPN, and LinkedIn. These companies have chosen EVA as their event planning partner to enhance their events with engaging entertainment options. With over 2,500 entertainers available on the platform, EVA has become a go-to resource for event planners seeking to book performers for a variety of occasions.
Investors in the latest funding round include the founders of Songfinch—John Williamson, Josh Kaplan, Scott Kitun, and Robert Lindquist—along with Justin Kalifowitz of Downtown Music Holdings, Cascade Seed Fund, Stout Street Capital, and others. While EVA declined to disclose its current revenue run rate, the platform takes a 20% service fee from organizers on all booked events, ensuring sustainable growth and continued support for both event planners and entertainers.
As EVA continues to expand its services and reach new markets, the platform is poised to revolutionize the event-hosting industry by providing a seamless booking experience for event planners and offering emerging artists and local performers greater exposure and opportunities for growth. With a commitment to transparency, professionalism, and inclusivity, EVA is set to make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the lives of artists and event organizers alike.
