Burwoodland, based in New York City, confirmed that it has received new investment. The company did not share the size of the deal. It also did not say how much equity changed hands.
The studio was founded 11 years ago by Ethan Maccoby and Alex Badanes. It has grown steadily since then. Today, it produces more than 1,200 shows each year. That volume places it among the most active players in the audio production space.
Alongside Emo Night Brooklyn, the team runs several in-house event brands. These include Gimme Gimme Disco, Broadway Rave, and All Your Friends. Each has its own audience and style. Together they form a growing live events portfolio.
The response from fans has been strong. So far, the shows have sold around 1.5 million tickets. That level of turnout points to real demand and steady momentum across the lineup.
Mark Cuban Invests in Emo Night in Brooklyn and Considers it AI-Proof
The Dallas Mavericks owner’s involvement has further bolstered the company. With a full calendar and strong ticket demand, Burwoodland is already planning well ahead. The company has shows booked for 2026 in cities like Milan, Brooklyn, Louisville, Nashville, and Antwerp. More dates are expected to follow.
It is also starting to explore the festival format. Its first large-scale event, called Long Live Emo Fest, is set for January 24. The show will take place at the Brooklyn Paramount. The venue holds about 2,700 people. This marks a new step beyond the company’s usual touring model.
Burwoodland has raised money before from several well-known backers. These include Izvor Zivkovic of Split Second, Brooklyn Bowl owner Peter Shapiro, and Justin Kalifowitz’s Klaf Companies.
What Cuban’s Support Means for the Team
Against that backdrop, Alex Badanes called Mark Cuban’s involvement a major milestone. He said the team felt genuinely honored to have his support.
Badanes said the idea for the company came from his own experience with music communities. He and Ethan Maccoby saw how shared taste could bring people together. That feeling of belonging had shaped their own lives. They wanted to build spaces where others could find that same connection.
He also spoke about the new investor. He said earning the trust of someone with Mark Cuban’s track record meant a great deal to the team.
Mark Cuban on the Power of Live Experiences
Mark Cuban also shared a brief comment. The Shark Tank investor praised the founders. Particularly for their skill in bringing people together and curating a vibe. He said they have a real talent for creating moments that stay with fans long after the show ends.
Cuban added to his comment, saying, “It’s time we all got off our asses, left the house, and had fun. Alex and Ethan know how to create amazing memories and experiences that people plan their weeks around. In an AI world, what you do is far more important than what you prompt.”
The State of the Live Events Industry
Burwoodland is part of a wider shift toward event brands built around community. Several other players are moving fast in this space.
Fever raised $100 million from investors last year. Around the same time, Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew announced a $20 million Series B. That round valued the company at $215 million. Posh has also been expanding its platform with new features.
Together, these moves point to growing interest in experiences that feel personal, social, and repeatable.
Some parts of the live business are doing very well. Others are under real strain.
A number of festivals have shut down or paused operations. Big tours still draw crowds and set new records. At the same time, there have been visible cancellations and venue closures. The market feels active, but also uneven.
Why Mark Cuban Invested in Live Events
Cuban’s move lands as a quiet statement about where attention still goes. Not to feeds or prompts, but to places where people show up. That is what he is backing here. Time, presence, and the simple pull of being part of something real.
