Chicago-based ticketing startup XP has just closed a $6.2 million funding round led by Blockchange, with additional backing from L1D, Reflexive, and other unnamed investors. This new capital marks a pivotal moment for the rising platform, which has quietly become a favorite among fans fed up with hidden fees and unreliable resale sites.
XP’s goal? To fix the broken ticketing industry using blockchain and AI. And so far, it’s making serious progress.
With fresh funding in hand, XP plans to ramp up product development and extend its reach across the U.S. The company is investing heavily in AI-powered personalization and blockchain ticketing systems that not only enhance the user experience but also create tighter, more meaningful connections between fans, artists, and event organizers.
At the heart of XP’s evolution is a simple idea: ticketing should be frictionless, transparent, and personal.
One of the standout features in XP’s pipeline is blockchain-based digital ticketing, which tackles the long-standing issue of fraud and makes reselling tickets secure and seamless. Meanwhile, its AI recommendation engine is being trained to suggest events based on user behavior—like a Spotify for live shows.
On top of that, fans can expect rewards like early access, exclusive content, and loyalty perks that turn one-time ticket buyers into passionate, engaged communities.
Tackling Hidden Fees and Shady Listings
XP is taking direct aim at what fans hate most: surprise fees and confusing checkout processes. Traditional platforms often tack on 20-30% in hidden charges, leaving fans feeling tricked. XP flips the script by showing upfront pricing, so what you see is exactly what you pay.
Its “Tixpy” feature scans other ticket resale platforms to help fans find the best deals in real time. XP also offers price alerts for specific seats, giving users a chance to buy when prices drop within their budget. It’s the kind of fan-first thinking that sets XP apart.
Security is another major upgrade. By using the Solana blockchain, XP attaches a digital certificate of authenticity to every ticket. That means no more worrying about counterfeit tickets—and users can pay with credit cards or crypto like USDC.
The company is already seeing momentum, reporting millions in annualized ticket sales and access to over 50 million live events nationwide, from concerts to sporting events. Strong partnerships with venues and event organizers continue to boost its inventory and credibility.
A Founder Who’s Been Here Before
XP was launched in 2024 by Michael Saunders, a name already familiar in startup circles. Saunders co-founded Dotmenu, a food delivery service acquired by Grubhub for $50 million. He later joined Grubhub’s leadership team and played a key role in taking it public.
Now, Saunders is applying that same product-first mindset to revolutionize ticketing. His mission is rooted in the belief that fans deserve better—and that ticketing shouldn’t feel like a scam.
He’s brought together a team of industry pros who have collectively handled billions in transactions. Together, they’re building a platform that prioritizes trust, transparency, and a smoother path from discovering events to attending them.
Saunders sees every ticket not just as a sale, but as a starting point for a deeper fan journey.
Positioned for a Ticketing Shakeup
XP’s timing is spot-on. Consumer frustration with legacy giants like Ticketmaster is growing louder, while regulatory pressure is pushing the industry toward cleaner, all-in pricing. XP is ahead of the curve. Its pricing model already complies with the FTC’s new “junk fee” rule, set to take effect in May 2025.
That gives XP an edge. And with the secondary ticketing market projected to hit $6.5 billion by 2032, XP is well-positioned to grab market share by offering something fundamentally different—trust.
By combining blockchain security, AI-driven personalization, and fan-first features, XP isn’t just tweaking the ticketing experience—it’s rebuilding it from the ground up. This isn’t about transactions. It’s about turning every interaction—from buying to attending to reliving the moment—into something fans actually enjoy.
As Saunders puts it, “Fandom is personal. But most platforms treat fans like numbers. XP is about flipping that narrative—by recognizing, rewarding, and respecting fans every step of the way.”
