Managing an event today whether it’s a corporate seminar, music festival, or sports event can be challenging, with countless tasks spanning from invites to registrations and onboarding partners. Ticket 9, a B2B event management startup based in Coimbatore, is revolutionizing this space by automating the traditionally manual processes involved in organizing events. Founded in 2022 by Yazhini Shanmugam and Santhos Premraj, Ticket 9 provides a user-friendly, scalable solution to streamline workflow and empower event planners with powerful, intuitive tools.
Founders and Mission
The idea behind Ticket 9 was born when co-founders Yazhini Shanmugam, an event enthusiast and CEO, and Santhos Premraj, a Product Architect with years of experience as an event organizer, identified the inefficiencies in manual event management. They envisioned a world where anyone could create, promote, and monetize events easily with minimal reliance on manual work. Premraj, having firsthand experience from organizing large-scale events, aimed to simplify the most tedious tasks for organizers, while Shanmugam focused on building a platform that was accessible for both new and experienced organizers. Together, they developed Ticket 9 as a SaaS platform capable of handling events of all sizes.
Evolution and COVID-19 Pivot
Though initially focused on physical events, Ticket 9 had to pivot quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic forced event planners to shift online. After releasing a beta version in early 2020, the team adapted to the pandemic’s demands, adding features to support virtual and hybrid events. During this period, they organized over 60 virtual events, including sports, webinars, and meetups with attendee numbers reaching 500+. This adaptation not only showcased Ticket 9’s resilience but also highlighted its flexibility in responding to industry changes.
With this agility, Ticket 9 was officially registered in 2022 as Ticket 9 Event Tech Private Limited, positioned to cater to both virtual and in-person event needs.
Key Features and Offerings
Ticket 9’s platform automates essential event functions, from ticket sales and scheduling notifications to tracking sales. Their QR-based check-in validation system has streamlined the entry process, allowing attendees to use QR codes for quick, accurate verification at entry points. This feature, along with the platform’s ease of use, has made it particularly appealing for organizers managing large crowds.
According to Shanmugam, setting up an event on Ticket 9 is as simple as creating an email account, and the platform’s flexibility caters to events of varying scales. In addition, Ticket 9 charges a 5% transaction fee per ticket sold, providing affordable options for organizers.
Market Reach and Financials
Starting with an investment of ₹18 lakh (around $22,000), Ticket 9 made $23,000 in revenue during its first fiscal year (FY23). Competing with established players like BookMyShow and Paytm Insider, Ticket 9’s focus on automation and user-friendliness has given it a competitive edge in India’s B2B event management space.
Industry Impact and Market Potential
The global events industry, valued at $887 billion in 2020, is projected to grow to $2,194.40 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 13.48%. Currently capturing around 0.7% of this market, Ticket 9 is steadily carving out its niche with clients in various cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru.
The Vision Ahead
Looking ahead, Ticket 9 aims to expand its operations internationally, with initial focus on the UAE and Singapore. In partnership discussions with UAE-based organizers, Ticket 9’s vision is to become a global leader in automated event management solutions. With a team of 12 committed professionals, they continue to innovate, integrating feedback from users to build even more versatile features.
In today’s fast-paced digital age, ticketing and entertainment solutions need to be quick, reliable, and user-friendly. That’s where The Ticket 9 comes in. Founded by a passionate team dedicated to reshaping the ticketing landscape, this startup has carved its place in the industry by offering a seamless platform for purchasing event tickets online.