Avante Price and Eli Taylor-Lemire are two innovative entrepreneurs making waves in the live events space with their platform, POSH. Their journey began as students at New York University (NYU), where they first crossed paths while working in the events industry. Price’s background as a DJ paired with Taylor-Lemire’s skills as a photographer created a dynamic duo that recognized a gap in the market for college student events.
Initially, the pair collaborated with existing event brands that catered to college students, but they felt these ventures often missed the mark. In an interview with Forbes, Price elaborated on this frustration. “Events geared towards college students often lacked the upscale experience we envisioned,” he stated. Their realization that available tools were stifling their creativity prompted them to think beyond traditional platforms like Eventbrite. “We felt very confined to what existed,” he said, reflecting on the limitations they encountered.
The inception of POSH was not merely an entrepreneurial venture but a solution to a problem they faced directly. As Price described, “Eli originally built a software product for our own event brand, using it internally for our events.” The focus was on creating a more branded experience—a tool that would allow them to engage with their audience more effectively.
POSH quickly proved its worth, helping the duo double their event attendance. However, the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 presented a significant challenge, leading to a downturn for their events business. Instead of despairing, the founders pivoted, seizing the opportunity to refine their platform further. “Now more than ever, people are more open to using new products,” Price noted. During the pandemic, they engaged in deep conversations with users, fellow event organizers, and industry veterans to redefine what POSH could become.
POSH’s mission extends beyond simply organizing events; it aims to democratize the live events industry. As Price described in an interview with AFROTECH
, “POSH was born to democratize the ability for any fan with a passion for live events to get involved in the space with as little friction as possible.” His vision includes empowering more individuals to navigate the event industry without hassle, providing paths for those interested in becoming event professionals.
Initially branded as the “Shopify for all events,” POSH now integrates robust solutions for event organizers. Early value propositions included customizable branding options, marketing message capabilities, and insights into potential attendees. However, their vision has further evolved. They’ve expanded their offerings to ensure consumers can enjoy a tailored event discovery experience, featuring a personalized feed that caters to individual interests.
“You open the POSH app, and you see this one-by-one feed similar to TikTok of personally curated recommendations based on your past event attendance,” Price explained. This approach considers various social and demographic factors, blending technology with user experience to create a more engaging environment.
Milestones
Since its launch, POSH has achieved significant milestones that speak to its success. The platform boasts nearly 6 million users and almost 50,000 organizers—a testament to its growing popularity. In 2024, POSH reported $10 million in revenue, earning its founders a percentage of ticket sales from events. Specifically, they charge 10% of what organizers collect for paid events, making their business model as efficient as it is profitable.
To date, POSH has facilitated over $300 million in ticket sales, with 10% of those earnings returning to the platform. The growth trajectory of the company is further supported by its substantial financial backing. Price shared that POSH has received $40 million in funding, including a $22 million Series A round led by Goodwater Capital in 2024. Such investments underline the confidence investors have in their mission and business model.
Avante Price and Eli Taylor-Lemire’s journey with POSH is a prime example of innovation in the live events sector. By addressing the unique needs of their audience, they’ve not only changed the game for event professionals but also enriched the experiences of fans eager to engage with live events. As POSH continues to grow, the founders remain committed to their mission of democratizing live event opportunities for everyone.
