Ticket 9: Streamlining Event Management Through Technology

 

Organizing events, from initial invites to registrations and partner onboarding, can be an overwhelming endeavor. Coimbatore-based startup Ticket 9 steps in to address these challenges by leveraging technology to automate manual processes, thereby streamlining event management workflows.

 

Ticket 9, a B2B (business-to-business) startup founded by Yazhini Shanumgam and Santhos Premraj in 2022, is on a mission to simplify event creation, ticket sales, and attendee engagement through its innovative SaaS products. 

Their goal is to empower individuals worldwide to effortlessly create, manage, promote, and monetize events of all sizes.

 

Santhos Premraj, the Co-founder and Product Architect, highlights that Ticket 9's vision is to provide a powerful tool for event organizers globally. 

The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even for first-time event planners. At the same time, it offers the flexibility required for larger events.

 

One common challenge faced by event organizers, especially when dealing with a large number of attendees, is managing the check-in process effectively. 

To tackle this issue, Ticket 9 has developed a robust QR-based check-in validation system. Attendees can present their QR codes, either printed or on mobile devices, at entry points. 

The system rapidly and accurately verifies QR code validity, ensuring a smooth check-in experience for both organizers and attendees.

 

The startup charges a minimal transaction fee of 5% on each ticket sold through its platform. Despite its relatively recent inception, the company has exhibited impressive growth. 

It started with an initial investment of Rs 18 lakh (∼ $22,000) from the founders and generated revenue of $23,000 in FY23.

 

Ticket 9 operates in the B2B events management sector, where players like Bookmyshow and Paytm Insider are also active. 

The founders, with backgrounds in event organization and software development, were motivated by the lack of technological support in the events industry. Their combined expertise led to the creation of Ticket 9, with the initial idea taking shape in October 2019.

 

The company's beta version was released in February 2020, initially focused on supporting physical events. 

However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a pivot in strategy. The startup adapted to industry trends, expanding its capabilities to support virtual and hybrid events alongside physical ones.

 

Ticket 9's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The startup has already supported over 270 events in both virtual and physical spaces. 

With a mission to tap into the immense potential of the global events industry, which was valued at $887 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $2,194.40 billion by 2028, Ticket 9 aims to make its mark. 

Currently holding approximately 0.7% of the market share, the startup caters to various event types.

 

In a significant boost, Ticket 9 raised $120,000 in a pre-seed round in May 2023. The funds came from investors including Prabhu Rangarajan (M2P Co-founder), Vijay Pravin Maharajan and Ashok Vardharajan (bitsCrunch's Founder and CEO), and other angel investors from around the world. 

With users already on board from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru, the startup's presence is expanding.

 

Ticket 9's team, consisting of 12 members, is gearing up for the future. The startup's aspirations include international expansion, with plans to initiate operations in the UAE and Singapore. 

Ticket 9 aims to forge strategic partnerships in these regions, marking the beginning of its global journey. 

As technology continues to reshape event management, Ticket 9 is at the forefront, offering streamlined solutions and simplifying the process for organizers and attendees alike.