Welcome Raises $12M Series A to Elevate Virtual Events
Hot on the heels of Hopin’s $125 million funding round, virtual events startup Welcome has announced a $12 million Series A investment. The round was led by Kleiner Perkins, with participation from Y Combinator, Kapor Capital, and Webb Investor Network.
The ‘Ritz-Carlton’ of Virtual Events
Co-founder and CEO Roberto Ortiz describes Welcome as the “Ritz-Carlton for virtual events,” positioning the platform as a premium solution in the rapidly growing virtual events space.
“COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation by a decade,” Ortiz explained. “What was projected for 2030 arrived in 2020, creating unprecedented demand for high-quality virtual experiences.”
From Food Tech to Virtual Events
The startup originally focused on connecting restaurants with food wholesalers before pivoting to virtual events. Though officially launching today, Welcome has already powered events for clients including:
- Brooks Winery
- Freely in Hope
- Elevate 2020
Premium Features for Enterprise Clients
Welcome distinguishes itself with enterprise-grade features:
- Dedicated control room for producers
- Breakout rooms for attendees
- Speaker green rooms
- White-label branding options
- Advanced networking capabilities
- Hybrid event support (virtual + in-person)
Image: Welcome’s premium virtual event interface
Targeting the High-End Market
Welcome is initially focusing on enterprise clients with five-figure annual contracts. While exact pricing remains confidential, Ortiz acknowledges the platform sits at the premium end of the market.
“We’re following the Tesla playbook,” Ortiz noted. “Start at the high end to establish quality, then expand accessibility over time.”
Investor Confidence in Welcome’s Vision
Kapor Capital Partner Freada Kapor Klein highlighted why the firm invested:
“Welcome combines cutting-edge technology with a mission-driven approach. The team’s commitment to diversity and creating positive social impact aligns perfectly with our investment thesis.”
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
While competition in virtual events intensifies, Welcome differentiates through:
- Simplified Production: Enables single-person operation for professional-grade events
- Premium Quality: Delivers Apple keynote-level production values
- Scalability: Maintains quality while expanding event size
“Our platform eliminates the need for AV crews,” Ortiz emphasized. “One person can now produce what previously required an entire production team.”
As virtual events become permanent fixtures in business and entertainment, Welcome’s premium approach aims to redefine expectations for digital experiences.
