Thuzio

Thuzio operates as a sports media and events company, providing businesses with access to influential figures in sports, entertainment, and business through curated events and experiences. The company was founded in 2012 by former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, serial entrepreneur Mark Gerson, and Jared Augustine, who had a background with GrubHub/Seamless. Barber's transition from a decade-long NFL career to entrepreneurship was fueled by his academic background in management information systems, seeing an unmet demand for a marketplace connecting the public with athletes. Gerson, a co-founder of the knowledge brokerage Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), brought extensive experience in connecting professionals with experts.

Initially launched as an e-commerce marketplace for booking athletes for personal or corporate events, the business model proved difficult to scale. This challenge prompted a significant pivot. The company evolved, creating the Thuzio Executive Club, a membership-based organization for business professionals. This model focuses on producing live and virtual events, such as intimate, professionally moderated interviews and conversations with iconic personalities, which members can leverage for client entertainment and networking. The initial marketplace concept was later rebranded as Julius, an influencer marketing software platform, while Thuzio focused exclusively on events. This strategic split allowed Thuzio to hone its event-based offerings.

Revenue is generated through a multi-tiered membership model, with annual pricing for individuals and enterprises, as well as sponsorships for its events and media content. Thuzio provides an alternative to traditional corporate hospitality, offering clients convenient, high-impact networking opportunities without the time commitment of attending a full sporting event. The company's services are designed for business-to-business client engagement, offering custom-branded events, premium hospitality, and access to a broad network of talent. A major milestone in the company's journey was its acquisition by TrillerNet on November 22, 2021, integrating Thuzio's B2B event expertise into Triller's broader ecosystem.

Keywords: athlete engagement, corporate hospitality, sports marketing, celebrity booking, client entertainment, B2B events, executive networking, live interviews, sports legends, influencer events, virtual events, talent procurement, professional networking, brand experiences, unfiltered conversations, sports media, corporate membership, premium experiences, business development, celebrity access, keynote speakers