Live Nation-owned social ticketing platform Universe is opening its first European office.
Founded in Toronto in 2012 by Ben Raffi, Craig Follett and Adam Meghji, the firm specialises in self service ticketing software and social event management. Its European office will be based at Ticketmaster’s headquarters in London.
Universe provides event ticketing software combined with advanced promotional and marketing tools. The company works with event organisers in over 600 cities around the world to help them promote their events, manage attendees, and sell more tickets for events ranging from conferences, fundraisers, workshops, shows, galas to indie festivals and free gigs.
“We’re looking forward to having the Universe team here in London. We’ll be working closely with them to offer their unique event ticketing solutions to event organisers across the UK and Europe,” said Ticketmaster International president Mark Yovich (pictured).
“Ben Raffi and his team have done an incredible job in establishing themselves as the go-to advanced DIY ticketing and event marketing platform which will be of huge benefit to our existing clients. The company sits nicely within our overall platform portfolio of world class solutions.”
Universe’s European expansion allows Ticketmaster to offer a self-service function across Europe, complementing its existing general admission platform, TicketWeb. Central to the Universe platform is the ability to sell tickets anywhere online through a customisable event page or Direct Payment widget.
"It is an exciting time for growth within the UK and European market,” added Universe co-founder & CEO, Ben Raffi. Our technology and tools have been extremely well received in Canada and the U.S. with over 31,000 event organisers using our platform to sell tickets. Expanding our international presence is the next step for us as we continue to disrupt the event industry.”
The company also announced that Joseph McAuliffe, director of business development, will be transferring to London to lead the expansion after two years based in San Francisco, where Universe opened its first US office in 2015. Live Nation acquired the firm last June.
