A partnership started last year between Cleveland-based Home Team Marketing and ticketing firm Eventbrite "worked so well that the groups are extending it," and that extension has helped HTM secure a $5M investment from affiliate of asset management firm Lyrical Partners, according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN's CLEVELAND BUSINESS. N.Y.-based Lyrical is investing in TicketRoar, a HTM service that "allows fans to purchase tickets to a variety of high school events online and with their portable devices." HTM Exec Chair & CEO Steve O'Neill said that the new contract with Eventbrite is for "seven years." Kleps noted the development "coincides with an infusion of capital," which HTM said is "expected to be used to expand marketing efforts, increase sales, provide new event creation capabilities and onboard additional staff." O'Neill said that HTM has "50 employees, 42 of which are based in Cleveland." Kleps noted Ohio "represents about 15%" of HTM's business. O'Neill said that the company "works with schools in 21 states, with the majority in Texas and Ohio" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 8/4).
