Limerick ticket company secures €4m investment

A LIMERICK-based ticketing firm has received a €4m investment from Ireland’s largest growth venture capitalist.

Based at Dominic Street in the city centre, Eventmaster was founded in 2010 by John Cleary.

It provides ticketing, membership and fundraising software solutions for sporting events.

Around 3,000 events are provided for annually through the site, adding up to more than 1.5 million tickets.

Among its roster is the Great Limerick Run, which takes place in the city centre each May.

BGF has invested €4m into the company, a move which will see it take a significant minority stake.

Based in Dublin, BGF is focused on acquiring minority stakes in companies which have significant growth potential.

In the last seven years, the firm has put more than €110m into local companies across the last seven years.

As part of the deal, Mr Cleary will stay on as chief executive and majority shareholder.

As well as the Great Limerick Run, Eventmaster provides the ticketing for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, the Cork City Marathon, and the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon.

On top of this, it serves the Ring Of Beara Cycle and the Tour de Connemara.

“The future looks very bright and very exciting,” said Mr Cleary.

“This investment from BGF marks a significant step forward for Eventmaster. We have a great team within Eventmaster and an excellent existing client base. Now with BGF and Feargal Mooney as our new chairman we are well positioned to accelerate our growth.”

BGF investor Joe Higgins added: “Eventmaster is one of the most impressive tech companies we have seen in the Irish market.

Over the past 14 years they have carved out a leadership position in the Irish market and they have exciting plans for expansion.”