GrowthSync and Meetup
Meetup is a home for groups of every kind, from hiking to language exchange. GrowthSync is built for business owners, with events as one part of it. Here is how they differ if you want business events.
The short answer
Meetup is built around groups for every interest, each run by an organiser who pays Meetup a subscription, and members join groups to see their events. GrowthSync is a business networking platform for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners: any member can host one free event a month, events are found by subject, city and distance rather than by group, and matching, communities and opportunities sit alongside them.
At a glance
- Who it is for
- GrowthSyncEntrepreneurs, founders and business ownersMeetupEvery interest: hobbies, sport, tech, languages and more
- Hosting cost
- GrowthSyncOne free hosted event a month on every planMeetupOrganisers pay Meetup a subscription to run groups
- How events are found
- GrowthSyncBy subject, category, city, distance, date and formatMeetupMainly through the groups you join and nearby group listings
- Ticketing
- GrowthSyncPaid tiers through your own Stripe account, wallet passes, door scanning, ticket transferMeetupOrganisers can charge for some events
- Beyond events
- GrowthSyncMatching, communities, opportunities and servicesMeetupGroup discussions and messages
- Size
- GrowthSyncNew and still smallMeetupLong established, with groups in many countries
Groups first, or the event first
Meetup is organised around groups. An organiser starts a group, people join it, and the group's events reach its members. That works well for a regular community that meets around a shared interest.
GrowthSync is organised around the event itself. There are no groups to grow first and no follower system, so a first-time host is found the same way as an experienced one: by what the event is about, where it is and when.
What it costs to host
Meetup charges organisers a subscription to run groups; its help centre lists the current plans and notes prices vary by location. On GrowthSync, any signed-in member can host one event a month on the free plan, Premium hosts two and Elite has no limit. If you sell tickets, GrowthSync keeps 10 percent of each paid ticket, and free events cost nothing.
Only business, and more than events
GrowthSync is built only for business networking: members sign up as entrepreneurs, founders and business owners, and events are workshops, roundtables, dinners and networking evenings for that audience. Between events you can match with members on what your businesses offer and need, ask questions in industry communities, and post opportunities.
Meetup is far larger, longer established and covers every interest, with groups in many countries. GrowthSync is newer and smaller, and covers business networking only.
Sources
Common questions
Is GrowthSync free for event organisers?
Yes. Any signed-in member can host one event a month on the free plan. Premium hosts two a month and Elite has no limit. GrowthSync keeps 10 percent of paid tickets; free events cost nothing.
Do I need to build a group before hosting on GrowthSync?
No. There are no groups or followers to build first. Events are found by subject, category, city, distance, date and format.
Is GrowthSync only for business events?
Yes. It is a business networking platform for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners, so events are workshops, roundtables, dinners and networking evenings for that audience.
Meet the business owners who fit what you are building.
Joining is free, your profile takes a few minutes, and the free plan is permanent.