Naboo Raises $70M From Lightspeed for AI-Powered Events Procurement

Why It Matters

The injection of $70 million accelerates AI adoption in corporate events procurement, turning a traditionally discretionary spend into a strategic, cost‑controlled function. It also positions Naboo to capture fragmented tail‑spend markets, promising higher margins and deeper enterprise relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Naboo secured $70M Series B led by Lightspeed.
• Platform automates corporate events procurement with AI.
• Customers include Meta, Google, Microsoft, Amazon.
• Funds will build AI booking agent and corporate card.
• Expansion targets fragmented tail‑spend procurement categories.

Pulse Analysis

The corporate events landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation as organisations treat conferences, product launches and partner gatherings as strategic investments rather than optional expenses. AI-driven tools are at the heart of this shift, enabling real‑time pricing, demand forecasting and compliance automation that were previously only available to large procurement teams. Analysts estimate the global MICE market will exceed $1 trillion by 2028, and the demand for scalable, data‑rich solutions is intensifying. In this environment, venture capital is gravitating toward platforms that can digitise and optimise the full event lifecycle.

Naboo, founded in 2022 in Paris, has positioned itself as a one‑stop shop for booking venues, catering, activities and transportation, blending SaaS functionality with hands‑on concierge support. Its client roster—Meta, Google, Microsoft, Amazon and other tech leaders—demonstrates early traction among enterprises that require strict compliance and transparent spend. The recent $70 million Series B, led by Lightspeed, gives Naboo the runway to embed AI deeper into the product, launch an integrated corporate payment card and automate tender processes. These enhancements aim to shrink event‑related costs while preserving brand experience.

Beyond events, Naboo’s ambition to address ‘tail‑spend’ categories could reshape how large firms manage fragmented procurement across travel, hospitality and ancillary services. By applying the same AI‑based pricing engine and automated workflow to these low‑visibility spend lines, the company promises greater savings and tighter policy enforcement. Competitors such as Cvent and Bizzabo are also expanding into broader procurement, but Naboo’s early focus on AI and its newly funded resources may give it a first‑mover advantage. If successful, the model could spur a wave of consolidation in the event‑tech and spend‑management sectors.