Robert Davari
CEO and Co-Founder | Tixr
As co-founder and CEO of Tixr, Robert Davari has continued to prove that there’s room for innovation and disruption in the primary ticketing space. It’s no small feat considering the dominance of industry leaders like Ticketmaster and Axs and a scattered client base with varying needs.
“This year is proving to be a bit rough in the independent market, particularly with festival costs going up and demand softening,” Davari said. “We expect this trend to reverse as economic trends improve for consumers, promoters adapt to trends like artist-direct and experiential venues, and technology evolves the way fans interact with event brands they love.”
Tixr has found a niche servicing festivals, venues and lifestyle events, offering robust bundling options including VIP, merchandise and other customization for clients. Events and venues in the Tixr portfolio include Riot Fest in Chicago, Lightning In A Bottle and California Roots, while venue clients include Whitewater Amphitheater, Stable Hall and Sturgis Buffalo Chip, among others.
“Venues expanding outside of the venue into larger formats (such as block parties) has proved to be a winning business model,” Davari says. “We’re also bullish on VIP offerings and are focused on delivering products that enable venues to seamlessly offer unique packages. We have some bigger plans around helping boost venue affinity and building deeper fan relationships we’ll be rolling out soon.”
In 2024, the company announced expansion into Canada and Europe and hired seasoned ticketing industry veterans including Steve Oberman and Sara Mertz, which Davari says will aid the company’s expansion.
Many in the live events industry have bemoaned the need for better tech and more nimble operations in the ticketing space, and Davari continues to find like-minded clients who believe in results.
“We’re in the midst of an international expansion, particularly in Canada and the EU, that’s proven to be challenging but a rapid success,” Davari said. “Learning about and adapting to these new markets and the communities the local venues and promoters serve has been an enriching experience.”
With the independent ticketing space being a crowded marketplace with many creative individuals looking for opportunity, Davari says success will mean to continue offering valuable service at a high level. It’s a recipe that may sound simple, but with the recent collapse of ticketing marketplace Lyte and whispers of other indie players being in similar peril, Davari and Tixr look to continue to prove any doubters wrong.
“For us the most important issue is doing whatever we can to keep the independents successful,” he said. “It’s where innovation and discovery happen. Access to capital, support of artists and finding new revenue streams will be key — along with operators that are open to and embrace positive change.” — Ryan Borba
