Poptop

Poptop, registered as POPtop Ltd, operates as an online marketplace for live entertainment and event services, establishing a significant presence in the UK's event planning sector. Founded in 2014 by Eugene Shestopal and Ignat Thor, the company was initially conceived to simplify the booking process for live music, a pain point Shestopal experienced firsthand when trying to hire a band for his wedding. The founders' journey began in Ukraine, where the initial concept was developed before relocating the headquarters to the UK in 2016 to tap into a larger market.

The company's platform, Poptop.uk, facilitates transactions between clients planning private and corporate events and a wide array of suppliers. These suppliers include musicians, DJs, photographers, caterers, and providers of mobile bars and entertainment options like photo booths. Poptop's business model is commission-based; it charges suppliers a fee for each confirmed booking made through the platform. This structure allows clients to browse, compare, and instantly book services without a direct charge for using the platform itself.

A key feature of Poptop's service is its instant booking functionality, which streamlines the traditionally slow process of securing event vendors. The platform provides transparent pricing and availability, allowing users to build and book an entire event in a short amount of time. Over the years, Poptop has expanded its service categories significantly, evolving from a music-focused service to a comprehensive event-planning tool. The company has facilitated tens of thousands of events and has garnered substantial positive feedback from its users, indicating strong product-market fit.

Keywords: event planning, live entertainment, online marketplace, event services, booking platform, private events, corporate events, supplier marketplace, instant booking, commission-based