Esk raises £2.6M to push live entertainment tech into North America
What's the deal? Edinburgh-based entertainment technology company EskDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised £2.6 million ($3.5 million) and appointed two executives to lead its expansion in North America. It builds live events using proprietary technology and production expertise, working with clients including NatGeoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Netflix, Blizzard EntertainmentDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Paramount SkydanceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and the BBCDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
Who's joining? Toby Tumarkin, executive vice president and global head of artists and attractions at IMG ArtistsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, joins as a consultant to advise on the North American business while continuing in his IMG role. Lindsay Kratz, previously senior West Coast booking agent at Opus 3 Artists, becomes head of US sales and partnerships, bringing more than 15 years of experience representing and booking performing artists.
Why now? Esk, launched in 2022, says it has operated in the US since inception but is using the new funding to reach more venues and audiences. "We're stepping up our presence in this market to reach further venues and audiences across North America," said chief executive officer Sam Weatherstone.
What's the endgame? Esk scales its events to tour internationally. Recent and upcoming productions include "Top Gun: Maverick — Live in Concert," which played the Hollywood Bowl over the summer, "Ocean in Concert" narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix's "Life on Our Planet — In Concert," and "World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music."
The signal: The hires signal a bet that live concert experiences tied to major film, TV, and gaming franchises can scale across North America. By tapping executives with deep booking networks, Esk is positioning to convert its technology into a wider touring footprint.
Read more: Variety
Image credit: ShardsOfBlue
