35. VenueScanner

Founders: Rebecca Kelly and Benjy Meye
Founded: 2016
Website: venuescanner.com

VenueScanner solves two connected problems. One is that there are loads of people and companies planning events (everything from weddings to retirement parties and corporate away days) and looking for exciting, distinctive spaces to host them in. The other is that venues up and down the UK often lie empty, with the owners not having the expertise or budget to market them to potential users.

VenueScanner connects these two groups by creating a huge database of events venues – meaning that event organisers can easily find a venue that meets their needs and venue owners are exposed to a huge audience of potential users just by paying one subscription fee.

In a nutshell, it’s like Airbnb, but for venues.

the company’s vast website features over 25,000 venues, and over 50% of FTSE 100 companies have used VenueScanner to book an event space.

Founded by Rebecca Kelly and Benjy Meyer in 2016, VenueScanner debuted in the Startups 100 at 77 last year and rises to 35 in 2021, testament to its stunning success.

Now, the company’s vast website features over 25,000 venues, and over 50% of FTSE 100 companies have used VenueScanner to book an event space. And, after being badly hit by the pandemic (revenues fell by 95%), VenueScanner is now riding the wave of the UK’s economic recovery and is already trading at pre-lockdown levels.

Kelly recently told Startups that the next goal is international expansion, with Dublin and Dubai top of the list

After concentrating on seven UK cities (and tackling global and virtual events through its concierge team), Kelly recently told Startups that the next goal is international expansion, with Dublin and Dubai top of the list.

We can’t wait to see just how far this bold, dynamic, ambitious company can go.