What is Meetup?
Meetup is a prominent platform dedicated to the discovery and cultivation of local communities. It serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking to connect with others, acquire new knowledge, find support networks, and engage in shared interests. Established in 2002 and headquartered in New York, New York, Meetup has evolved into a cornerstone for fostering real-world connections in an increasingly digital landscape. Its business model centers on facilitating group formation and event organization, enabling users to build and participate in communities centered around diverse hobbies and professional interests.
How much funding has Meetup raised?
Meetup has raised a total of $20.3M across 5 funding rounds:
Series B
$5.3M
Series C
$4.5M
Series D
$7.5M
Series A
$1M
Debt
$2M
Series B (2003): $5.3M with participation from Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and Omidyar Network
Series C (2006): $4.5M led by Omidyar Network, Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), and eBay
Series D (2008): $7.5M supported by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), Omidyar Network, and Union Square Ventures
Series A (2014): $1M featuring Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and Click Ventures
Debt (2020): $2M backed by PPP
Key Investors in Meetup
Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropy focused on shaping the digital revolution to promote shared power, prosperity, and possibility. They engage with a diverse network of visionaries and innovators to influence the critical areas of culture, governance, business, and technology.
Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ)
Draper Fisher Jurvetson is a leading venture capital firm with a global presence through a network of affiliated funds, with offices in more than 30 cities around the world and approximately $6 Billion in capital commitments. DFJ's mission is to identify, serve and provide capital for extraordinary entrepreneurs anywhere who are determined to change the world.
eBay
Founded in 1995, eBay is a global online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of goods and services. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
What's next for Meetup?
The substantial enterprise-level backing and recent strategic investment indicate that Meetup is poised for further expansion and innovation. This capital will likely be directed towards enhancing its platform capabilities, broadening its community outreach initiatives, and potentially exploring new market segments. The company's long-standing presence and focus on community building suggest a strategic emphasis on deepening user engagement and solidifying its role as a leader in the social connection space. Future developments may involve leveraging data analytics to better serve community needs and optimizing the user experience for both organizers and participants.
See full Meetup company page