22 year old entrepreneurs launch event comparison venture

TWO 22 year old entrepreneurs have launched a nationwide event guide and ticket comparison app.

Ilkley-based TickX allows users to search, compare and find the best priced tickets, on a single platform.

TickX currently has 34,282 club nights, gigs, festivals and comedy shows on their roster.

The venture was launched by developer and entrepreneur Sam Coley, who has had his own business, web development firm SAMTEQ, since he was 16 years old, and Manchester University Economics graduate Steve Pearce.

Mr Pearce said: “Our vision is to replicate the successful models of sites like Go Compare and Sky Scanner.

“It is clear that comparison sites offer strong and sustainable growth potential as they dominates in almost every vertical sector; Hotel, Travel and Insurance to name a few.

“Somehow however, the events industry has been left out and it’s a gap we are now moving in to fill – by making TickX a one-stop shop for event goers!”

Between them the 22 year-olds invested £8,000 in the development of the app and the business,

The duo also received up to £15,000 worth of free web hosting after being sponsored by Rackspace UK on their start-up scheme.

Since coming runners up in York’s Venturefest Investment competition, panellist Russell Dalgleish offered marketing support to the fledgling firm.

Mr Pearce said: “Russell has been inspirational – he’s fast paced, high-energy and his wealth of knowledge and experience means he has plenty of ideas which we will soon be implementing.

“Our success to date despite having had no direct investment is something we are very proud of. However after beta testing our platforms we are now looking for £250,000 to powerfully market in the UK.”

More ticket sellers coming online, a new app version is being released and additional features coming to our website in the coming weeks. The pair are busy meeting investors keen to help them achieve rapid growth over the coming year.

Mr Pearce concluded: “Sam and I know it’s early days, but from the interest we have had so far has made us aware we have created something with massive potential. By listening to users, understanding their needs and reacting to their feedback, TickX will only get bigger and better.”