Andrea Wallace has reportedly secured funding for an entertainment marketplace.
In 2018, Wallace, a professional DJ with a business degree from Grand Valley State University, founded and launched Opnr, an “all-in-one data-powered” solution designed to simplify the booking process for musical talent. According to the company website, it provides concert organizers with data and analytics to help them book the right talent for local events. It also helps musicians showcase their work through an electronic press kit generator that serves as a resume, and through its FAN-CLAIM™ software, they can connect with their local fanbase.
According to MLive, Opnr has been used by nearly 12,000 musicians and 800 organizers.
“We’ve got pretty good traction,” Wallace said of the company, which is headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, according to the outlet.
Even so, it has not been easy to gain support in funding.
“There are plenty of people in Grand Rapids who are super helpful,” Wallace mentioned, per MLive. “But getting into that network is not easy. So, until you have somebody walk you directly into that network — not just help out or make an intro, but truly advocate for you — it can be really, really difficult.”
Still, Wallace has achieved key wins. Opnr has been supported with $40,000 in funding from Start Garden. Additionally, New Community Transformation Fund dispersed $150,000 in funding and offered an additional $250,000 if Opnr meets its performance goals in revenue and number of users. Wallace has a goal of raising $1 million.
Launched in 2020, the New Community Transformation Fund is focused on investing in mid-stage businesses led by people of color. Areas of investment include financial technology, health care, advanced manufacturing and information technology industries.
“Excited to announce that Opnr has secured an investment from the New Community Transformation Fund. This milestone is more than just funding—it’s a testament to the work we’ve put into helping concert organizers and musicians connect in meaningful ways,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “With their support, we’re poised to scale our mission of making concert organizing smarter, more efficient and impactful for everyone involved. A huge thank you to our partners, users and the vibrant live music community that continues to inspire us every day. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and innovation!”
