Backing the next generation of world-class events.
We partner with exceptional founders to fund, launch, and scale the event and media businesses of the future.
Manta Media Capital partners with ambitious event founders to launch, grow, and exit world‑class event and media companies — combining capital with hands‑on operational support from industry leaders who’ve done it before.
Unlike traditional investors, Manta Media Capital is an event accelerator and investment firm built by event entrepreneurs for event entrepreneurs. We invest early, stay involved, and help build event businesses to buyer specifications, backed by a global network of acquirers, strategic partners and industry specialists.
Manta Media Capital exists for ambitious founders who want more than funding —they want a true partner to help them launch, grow, and ultimately exit high‑value event and media companies with confidence.
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Toby Duckworth
MANAGING PARTNER
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
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Doug Emslie
PARTNER
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
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Steve Monnington
PARTNER
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
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Anna John
PARTNER
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Leo Stemp
PARTNER
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Pablo Martin
PARTNER
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Charlie Hastings
PARTNER
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Francesca Beeching
MARKETING DIRECTOR
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Aritro Mukherji
INVESTMENT ANALYST
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Manta Media Capital’s team brings unparalleled insight and expertise to founders from eight of the event industry’s most respected leaders. Between them they have launched more than 100 events across 26+ countries in the last 20 years, across B2B and B2C formats including exhibitions, conferences, hosted-buyer formats and digital media. Major successes include the sale of Tarsus Group to Informa plc and the global expansion and acquisition of 121 Group by Hyve Group.
Countries
we have launched in
Sectors
we have worked in
Formats
we have scaled
How does Manta support it’s portfolio companies?
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Manta provides early capital to accelerate growth while reducing founder risk. Our investment is paired with hands-on involvement, ensuring every pound is deployed strategically to build assets that scale and attract acquirers.
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We embed ourselves as active partners, offering board-level insight and weekly collaboration with founders. This ensures decisions are informed, strategic, and grounded in real operational experience across dozens of event businesses.
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From market positioning to revenue streams, we help founders map and execute a clear plan for sustainable growth. Our team brings proven frameworks for sponsorship, audience development, partnerships, and commercial expansion.
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We identify successful formats that can be replicated in new regions or sectors and support founders through every step of the expansion process. This multiplies the value of each concept, creating scalable, acquisition-ready portfolios.
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Where events require public-sector cooperation, regulation, or city partnerships, we support founders with high-level negotiation experience. Our team helps navigate approvals, secure support, and build long-term relationships with government stakeholders.
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Every portfolio’s business plan undergoes real-time financial oversight and modelling to build a sustainable business plan. We build forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking systems that give founders clarity and control.
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From the outset, we design each business with buyer expectations in mind. When the time comes, we refine the proposition, streamline operations, and position the company to achieve maximum valuation.
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With specialists who have executed multiple event-sector transactions, we guide founders through the full M&A process — from identifying buyers and managing due diligence to negotiating terms and closing the deal. Our experience helps secure outcomes that reward founders and investors alike.
Who we invest in
We invest in event and media businesses across both B2B and B2C. Our focus is on the founder and the event’s potential over and above any format.
Why partner with Manta Media Capital?
Work with a team who understands your business model immediately.
No need to explain why delegate sales take time or why sponsorship is lumpy – the team have been there before and get it
Significant industry experience and insight
Manta offers hard-earned, real world knowledge from successful event operators who’s done this before. Founders don’t get this alone or from typical VCs or angel investors
A global network
The team has long‑standing relationships across major private equity groups and global event operators that accelerate growth and open doors.
Capital plus operational firepower
Founders get strategic support, deep expertise and help executing the hard parts of growth — not just funding.
Insight into how to build a business that buyers want to acquire
With partners who have personally built and sold companies — and advised on dozens more — Manta helps founders scale in ways aligned with long‑term value creation.
