Chicago-based XP, a next-generation ticketing platform, has raised $6.2 million in fresh funding to expand its reach and reinvent how fans buy and sell tickets. The round was led by Blockchange, with participation from L1D, Reflexive, and other strategic investors. The capital will be used to enhance product development, scale nationwide operations, and deepen XP’s use of AI and blockchain to create a more personalized and trustworthy ticketing experience.
With a focus on no hidden fees, smart pricing tools, and fan-first features, XP is positioning itself as a transparent alternative to the legacy resale platforms that frustrate buyers with confusing fees and unreliable sellers.
Building Loyalty Beyond the Transaction
XP was founded in 2024 by Michael Saunders, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding Dotmenu, which Grubhub acquired for $50 million. At Grubhub, he helped scale the platform through IPO, and now, he’s applying the same user-first mindset to live events.
Saunders’ vision for XP is simple: fans deserve better. “Buying tickets shouldn’t feel like you’re getting taken advantage of,” he said. “Fandom is a core part of identity. XP is about rewarding that loyalty and passion.”
That approach has helped XP quietly become a fan-favorite in a sector dominated by hidden fees, broken search tools, and unreliable ticket delivery.
Tech That Puts Fans First
XP solves major pain points in ticket resale with a clean, transparent interface and all-in pricing. No service fees at checkout. No surprises. What fans see is what they pay.
Its Tixpy comparison engine scans multiple resale sites and surfaces the lowest total cost, factoring in fees competitors often hide. Price Alerts notify users when ticket prices for specific seats drop within budget.
XP also leverages the Solana blockchain to verify every ticket’s authenticity, preventing fraud and enabling seamless peer-to-peer transfers. Each ticket includes a digital certificate of authenticity, and fans can pay in USD or crypto (USDC), supporting both traditional and Web3-savvy users.
What Sets XP Apart
The XP ticketing platform goes beyond transactions. It’s designed as a community-driven fan engagement tool. The upcoming product roadmap includes:
- AI-powered recommendations based on users’ preferences and attendance history
- Blockchain-based digital tickets that support resale, transfers, and perks
- Smart contracts to automate royalty splits and creator compensation
- Exclusive content and early access for loyal fans
The goal? Turn one-time buyers into long-term community members. Think Spotify personalization meets Eventbrite—but for the resale market.
XP’s new funding will help roll out these innovations at scale, positioning the company to lead in a $6.5 billion secondary ticketing market projected to grow at nearly 10% annually through 2032.
With growing consumer frustration over opaque pricing on platforms like Ticketmaster, XP arrives at a critical moment. Its all-in pricing already aligns with the FTC’s new “junk fee” regulations, giving it a head start on compliance—and a potential competitive edge.
XP has already facilitated millions in annualized ticket sales and gives fans access to over 50 million tickets across concerts, sports, and live events nationwide. Strategic partnerships with independent venues and major organizers have boosted inventory and visibility.
By combining fair pricing, fan-centric features, and cutting-edge tech, XP is not just another ticketing app. It’s a platform built to reshape the live event experience from the ground up.
Saunders sums it up best: “Every fan interaction on XP—from discovering new shows to reliving memories—is designed to feel joyful, meaningful, and magical.”
