Tixserve is a modular digital ticket distribution and management platform that streamlines ticket delivery, event management, and fan engagement. The company provides a white-label application that is customised and branded for its clients, enabling them to distribute and host digital tickets, manage the attendee experience, and analyse event data, integrating with sales platforms and other applications.
An alternative to generic digital wallet technology, Tixserve supports a number of blue-chip clients including several high-profile sporting organisations such as England Rugby, Welsh Rugby, Scottish Rugby, Celtic FC, FA Wales, Glamorgan Cricket, Hong Kong China Rugby and Rugby Australia which have adopted its digital ticketing solutions to streamline operations and enhance fan engagement.
In the UK in 2024 attendance at UK sports events was 78m. The proliferation of mobile devices has driven the growth of event ticketing through online platforms, and with digital ticketing set to be a mandatory requirement for all Premier League clubs by 2026/27 season, there is a large and growing addressable market for Tixserve's platform within the sports industry alone.
The South West Investment Fund investment will enable the company to embark on a recruitment drive and invest in its sales and marketing capabilities to underpin the next phase of growth. Funding will also allow Tixserve to increase its national reach and open a base in Bristol, as well as expand into further sports verticals and international markets.
Luke Matthews, Partner at Maven Capital Partners [1], said; "Digital ticket management is a growth market and Tixserve operates in a relatively underserved segment of the ticketing ecosystem already supporting a number of blue-chip customers with its platform. We're delighted to support Patrick and the team at this point in the company's growth journey and look forward to working with them to drive the business forward."
Patrick Kirby, CEO and Co-founder, said; "This investment by Maven through the South West Investment Fund will enable Tixserve to fast-track its progress to becoming the leading independent mobile distribution and engagement platform in the global live event ticketing market. We will continue to be market-led as we deepen our relationship with existing blue-chip clients in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Australia and engage with new clients. Luke and his colleagues at Maven were very professional in how they conducted their due diligence and the fact that they developed a detailed understanding of the powerful value proposition that Tixserve offers its clients augurs well for a successful and enjoyable period of collaboration and profitable growth ahead."
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: "This investment will help Tixserve scale a proven platform at a pivotal moment for digital ticketing, while building a Bristol base and creating high-value jobs to support the company's next phase of national and international growth. We're delighted to see the fund supporting their expansion in the South West."
The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.
The Fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.