Citysocializer Relaunches as Virtual Event Guide | Pandemic Pivot

Citysocializer, initially designed to facilitate in-person social activities within cities, has undergone a transformation and now functions as a platform comparable to “Get Your Guide” for online events. Similar to other businesses adapting to the present conditions, this company has focused on empowering individuals to generate income from their abilities and interests while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many individuals, including personal fitness instructors and yoga instructors, along with other freelance professionals, have been compelled to transition to providing virtual sessions through platforms like Zoom. However, effectively generating revenue from these sessions has presented a challenge until recently.

Recognizing this trend with the onset of the pandemic, Citysocializer swiftly adopted a combined approach, positioning itself between Airbnb’s Online Experiences and Meetup.com.

The platform now features a variety of virtual offerings, such as fitness courses and instructional workshops, attracting participants from the U.K., Europe, the U.S., and Canada to hundreds of live, interactive group events, classes, and workshops. The company has previously secured £1.5 million in venture capital funding from PROfounders Capital and EC1 Capital.

Sanchita Saha, CEO and founder, reports a 300% increase in event bookings per person, rising from an average of two to six events monthly. She stated: “Given that many parts of the world will likely experience ongoing lockdowns for the next six months or longer, people increasingly require and desire connection, entertainment, creative stimulation, physical fitness, and mental well-being—and the most convenient and secure way to achieve this is through virtual means… Providing opportunities for professionals in these fields to monetize their skills and talents by hosting virtual events for a readily available audience at home is mutually beneficial.”

Saha explained that individuals previously employed in the hospitality and entertainment sectors—significantly impacted by the pandemic—are now offering services like cocktail-making classes; chefs are leading cooking demonstrations; and singers, musicians, and performers are utilizing the platform to present live virtual performances. Additional activities include game nights (featuring Pictionary, Articulate, Bingo, and more); theatre, performance, and storytelling workshops; wine tasting sessions; beauty and skincare tutorials; and guided meditation.

What distinguishes this platform from simply creating an Eventbrite page? According to Saha in an interview with TechCrunch, “We offer a social networking and community aspect surrounding the events, attracting individuals who are already actively participating in virtual events, classes, and workshops and encouraging them to invite their friends on Citysocializer to join. This also leads to increased repeat bookings. When someone enjoys an event, we simplify the process—and increase the likelihood—of them attending future events. Hosts can cultivate a dedicated following for their events within the community.”

The majority of events and experiences are priced between £4 and £15 per household, with discounts available through Citysocializer membership, starting at £9.99 per month. Event hosts receive 100% of the net revenue from their bookings and have the ability to host multiple events for an international audience across various time zones.

Livelink is another company that has emerged during the pandemic to capitalize on the shift towards virtual events, providing “personalized recommendations for live content and events” through email. Curators, who are not necessarily the organizers of the virtual events themselves, identify available live content and share their selections with subscribers via the platform.