Tarsus Group Expands U.S. Portfolio with FounderMade and Health Connect Partners
December 15, 2021
Tarsus Group has grown its portfolio of more than 180 trade shows worldwide even more with two new investments in the United States - FounderMade and Health Connect Partners (HCP).
These mark the latest in a busy year for the global B2B media company, which has completed six investments throughout 2021, while also reopening in-person events in the majority of its key territories.
FounderMade and HCP will join Tarsus Group as part of its newly created Tarsus Health division, covering the healthcare, wellness and nutrition industries.
In addition to the new investments, the division also will be comprised of existing Tarsus Medical brands (A4M, LiVDerm, PAINWeek and CMHC), along with BodySite, a digital health platform acquired earlier this year.
Tarsus Group plans to add additional healthcare and wellness brands to the growing division in 2022.
“I’m delighted that FounderMade and Health Connect Partners are joining Tarsus Group as part of our Tarsus Health division, which is a key focus area for the business going forward. These companies perfectly embody what we look for when bringing new brands into the portfolio – strong events that understand and meet their customers’ needs, driven by entrepreneurial and energetic teams,” said Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie,
He added, “They understand the power of face-to-face interaction and have in-person events at their core; HCP’s one-to-one model is a format we have seen deliver strong results in our Connect division. I’ve also been particularly impressed by how FounderMade and HCP have weathered the storm of the past two years by creating strong online offerings. I’m really pleased to be working with Meghan, David and their teams to develop their businesses and look forward to an exciting future ahead.”
Launched in 2015, FounderMade hosts events focused on wellness, beauty and health for innovative and emerging brands to connect with leading retailers, solutions and investors.
FounderMade focuses on helping businesses to grow by providing a discovery platform that delivers networking opportunities, innovative product discovery and world-class education.
The business runs two well-established tradeshows – Discovery Show East and West – and also has launched a successful virtual event series in response to the challenges created by the pandemic.
FounderMade plans to run a full calendar of in-person and virtual events in 2022, while also developing niche shows to target current verticals more deeply.
CEO and founder Meghan Asha will continue to run FounderMade alongside President and COO Lauren Everhart.
"FounderMade was born out of a passion to help best-in-class consumer businesses scale and innovate. We are really excited to be joining Tarsus Group,” Asha said.
She added, “We have found a partner that not only values our authenticity and the special community we've built, but will also give us the tools and support to further grow FounderMade."
In addition to the FounderMade deal, Tarsus also has completed on an investment in Health Connect Partners.
Launched in 2006, HCP currently delivers events in five sectors across the acute care hospital market – Pharmacy, Supply Chain, IT, Radiology and OR/Surgical. HCP events are focused on connecting buyers and suppliers through industry-specific events featuring one-to-one meetings, education and networking.
The targeted, matchmaking nature of HCP’s model meant that the business was able to successfully switch to running online events when restrictions impacted live events. The business will continue to offer virtual follow-up events to their in-person offering going forward.
The HCP team will remain in place, and the business will continue to be headed up by CEO and co-founder David Mason.
Speaking on the investment by Tarsus, he said, “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for our company that will allow us to grow our business as we continue to provide first-class educational and networking events for our customers. Whether together in-person, or live on-line, we will continue to produce events that foster an environment where real business relationships can be built and nurtured. We are looking forward to our partnership with Tarsus and the mutual opportunities for continued growth.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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