Once in a while, a start-up comes along and generates a real buzz across the investor community: meet Hopin, the future of online events. This go-getting start-up has just raised £5 million in a recent seed investment round, supported by Harper James’ legal team. Founded by Johnny Bourfarhat, the London-based, virtually-staffed Hopin is the only online events platform that enables organisers to plan and host live events for up to 100,000 people.
The platform, which is in early access, has already played host to over 1,000 events since July and boasts a waiting list of over 10,000 would-be event organisers, keen to use the pioneering carbon-neutral service. Hopin has already landed a deal to host the UK Green Party conference.
At a time when sustainability is high on the international business agenda, Hopin’s digital alternative to real-life, large-scale meetings like conferences and expos means demand for their service is likely to be unprecedented. The funding, provided by Accel, Northzone, Seedcamp and a group of angel investors, will enable the Hopin team of 15 to grow and scale quickly.
Founder and CEO Johnny Bourfarhat says: "We are building the future of events. Hopin could be fastest-growing start-up in the world."
Jas Boghal, from Harper James Solicitors who acted for Hopin on the funding round, said she expects the firm to grow rapidly. She added: “Hopin have a singular vision and are at the start of an exciting journey. Helping high-growth companies navigate the commercial small print of investment rounds successfully is one of the most satisfying parts of my job.”
Hopin subscribes to Harper James’ Enable Plan, a monthly legal support package ideal for meeting the ongoing legal needs of start-ups. Legal advice is often one of an early-stage company’s highest costs, which is a barrier our founder Toby Harper sought to overcome when he established Harper James in 2014. By operating virtually, we’re able to pass the cost savings of fewer overheads on to our clients, offering cost-effective rates for partner-level legal expertise.
With legal peace of mind and a £5m boost for their company’s ambitions, nothing now stands in the way of Hopin’s masterplan for ownership of the large-scale online events space.
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