If you have an idea or know an industry that would benefit from a new event, we want to hear from you. We’re Toby Walters and Sam Murray. We built Elite Exhibitions from the ground up into an international events business before selling it to CloserStill Media in 2024.
Now, we’re backing the next generation of event entrepreneurs. We invest our own money through SEIS and bring the hands-on experience, industry knowledge and network to help turn a great idea into a successful event business.
You bring the idea. We’ll help you build it.
My journey with Toby and Sam began with a simple LinkedIn message. What followed was a series of informal meetings, where we built trust and understood the opportunities in front of us.
That process has now led to the successful launch of Off-Site Design. Their help has been invaluable, and they continue to support both me and the wider team.
What stood out most is that they want to do things properly. They are thorough and diligent, which gives me real confidence as a founder. It feels like a true partnership, built on trust and a shared belief in what we are creating.
Elite Exhibitions ran international trade shows, industry awards, hosted buyer events and a tech-backed subscription product. In 2024 we sold the business to CloserStill Media, the private equity-backed events group, and after completing the earn-out we've now exited in full. Along the way we learned a lot, often the hard way, and that's what we want to share.
Before Elite, we were both employees at another events company. We always had ambitions to do our own thing, but getting funding for that first step was tough. TEG Media Ventures exists to solve that problem for founders who are where we once were.
We've launched shows from scratch, taken a format from one continent to another, and learned what it takes to fill a floor with the right exhibitors and visitors.
Growing from founders doing everything into a business with senior leaders, clear structure and people who can run it without you, which matters most when a buyer comes looking.
We've taken a business through a sale and earn-out to a full exit, so we can help you build with a future buyer in mind: recurring revenue, clean numbers and a team that can run things without you.
Businesses that build audiences, bring people together and earn from both. It's where we know the most and can help the most.
B2B events in a clear niche, with a format that can repeat each year and travel to new markets.
Festivals, consumer shows and brand experiences with a loyal audience and room to grow.
Trade publications, newsletters, podcasts, video and communities that own a specialist audience.
Tools for ticketing, registration, lead capture and audience data.
It's just the two of us, so the process is simple and personal.
An idea is all you need. Tell us what the show is, who it's for and why the industry needs it. If you're further along, send whatever you have. We're happy to sign an NDA before you share anything.
A relaxed conversation to get to know you and your idea. You don't need numbers or a business plan at this stage.
We'll get back to you within two weeks of receiving all the relevant information, and explain our thinking either way.
We invest, then stay close, with advice and introductions across media and events whenever they're useful.
We invest personally, so there's no fund or outside investors involved. You'll always deal with us directly.
We only back a few businesses at a time, so we can give each one proper attention.
We've invested through SEIS ourselves, so you don't need to be an expert. We'll walk you through the paperwork.
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) is a UK government scheme that encourages people to invest in brand-new businesses. Investors get tax relief for backing companies at the very start, which makes it easier for founders like you to raise that first round of money.
Read the government guide
Partner
Toby was CEO of Elite Exhibitions, where he led marketing and operations and looked after the relationships with the key buyers who kept the shows full.
He's the ideas person of the two. He spots an opportunity early, pushes hard to get it off the ground and isn't afraid to aim high. Bring him a big idea and he'll already be thinking about how to make it bigger.
Toby on LinkedIn
Partner
Sam was Commercial Director of Elite Exhibitions, running sales and finance as the business grew through to its sale.
He's the steady hand: an empathetic leader who weighs up every side before making a call. Founders find him easy to talk to, whether it's about the numbers or the harder conversations every business faces.
Sam on LinkedInTell us about your show idea or the business you're building. You don't need a company set up yet; if we like the idea, we'll help you set it up properly. We read every pitch ourselves.