Breakaway: From College Startup to Nine-Figure Valuation in Live Events
They Started Their Business in College. Now It’s Valued at Nine Figures. Here’s How Breakaway Broke the Mold for Live Events.

Image: Entrepreneur
Founded by Adam Lynn and Zach Ruben during college, Breakaway aims to deliver top entertainment to underserved markets. After ten years, the company achieved a nine-figure valuation following a Series B funding round. Lynn shares insights on leveraging personal experience and resilience in entrepreneurship.
- 01Adam Lynn's early experience in event planning began with organizing parties in high school and evolved into college events, including a successful show with Wiz Khalifa.
- 02After a significant loss from a Nas concert, Lynn viewed it as a learning opportunity, gaining valuable insights through an internship in Australia.
- 03Breakaway's success stems from understanding the needs of college-aged customers in underserved areas, filling a gap in the market.
- 04As the company scales, Lynn emphasizes the importance of hiring experienced leaders to guide its growth.
- 05Lynn highlights the emotional investment in building the business, reflecting on the decade-long journey with passion for his work.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Breakaway, co-founded by Adam Lynn and Zach Ruben while they were still in college, has transformed the live events landscape by targeting underserved markets that major entertainment acts often overlook. Their journey began with small-scale events, including a profitable show with rapper Wiz Khalifa, which laid the groundwork for future successes. However, a significant setback from a Nas concert taught Lynn valuable lessons in resilience and strategic planning. After gaining experience through an internship in Australia, he returned to Michigan and successfully booked major acts like Kid Cudi and Steve Aoki. Now, with a nine-figure valuation following a Series B funding round, Lynn reflects on the importance of understanding customer needs and the necessity of bringing in experienced professionals as the company scales. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion in entrepreneurship.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Breakaway's approach to live events provides college students with access to entertainment options that were previously unavailable in their regions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the most important factor for a startup's success?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



