Seat Unique, the foremost online marketplace offering exclusive access to live events, has successfully concluded its Series A funding round, raising an impressive £7 million. Spearheaded by Nickleby Capital, a respected investment firm based in London, the funding round marks a significant milestone for the company.
Established in 2018 by CEO Robin Sherry, Seat Unique serves as the bridge between venues, clubs, promoters, and enthusiastic fans in search of the most exceptional tickets to premier live events spanning sports, music, and cultural spectacles. The platform provides a secure and guaranteed space where transactions can be conducted safely.
Nickleby Capital, supported by seasoned entrepreneurs, took the lead in the investment round, joined by existing investors including Richard Flint (board member at LADBible Group and former CEO of Sky Bet) and Simon Murphy (serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the TFO Group). The Series A funding follows Seat Unique’s achievement of surpassing £30 million in ticket sales on the platform and establishing partnerships with over 40 of the largest venues, clubs, and promoters in the UK.
Accessing the Best Seats in the House Through Technological Advancements
Despite launching its marketplace a few months before the initial national lockdown, Seat Unique has observed firsthand the surge in demand for live experiences following the post-Covid era. Particularly, the premium ticketing category has witnessed remarkable growth. In an age where material possessions are losing allure, live experiences have emerged as the ultimate luxury. Over 200,000 fans per month now explore the Seat Unique platform, eagerly seeking their next extraordinary live event. Whether it’s witnessing historic sporting moments, reveling in captivating performances by world-class artists, or immersing themselves in the enchantment of theatre, Seat Unique has rapidly established itself as the go-to destination for securing the best seats in the house.
A Secure Marketplace Ensuring Guaranteed Access
Seat Unique offers premium access to live events directly from authorised sources, ensuring that only rightsholders (clubs, venues, promoters, and authorised sellers) have permission to sell tickets on the platform. This guarantees access for all fans and provides a safe and secure purchasing environment in contrast to the fragmented and untrusted offline market.
For rightsholders, Seat Unique empowers them by returning control of premium inventory and hospitality to those who own it. This creates an opportunity to reach brand new audiences within sections of stadiums and venues that were traditionally reserved for corporate entities. Most importantly, Seat Unique’s innovative and proprietary dynamic pricing software opens up new revenue streams for rightsholders.
The Series A funding will enable Seat Unique to further enhance its product offerings, ensuring fans have an exceptional buying experience. It will also facilitate the expansion of the platform into new sectors and markets, strengthening partnerships with leading event organisers and venues. This growth will enable Seat Unique to connect even more passionate fans with the most extraordinary live events.
Robin Sherry, CEO of Seat Unique, expressed his delight in completing the Series A funding with Nickleby Capital. From the very beginning, Nickleby recognised the problem Seat Unique aimed to solve and believed in the company’s ability to provide the solution. The successful investment round, achieved in the current economic climate, not only highlights the vast opportunities ahead but also showcases the progress Seat Unique has made since its marketplace launch. The foundation laid in 2020 allowed them to seize the opportunities that arose from the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.
Saav Shah, Managing Partner of Nickleby Capital and a new member of Seat Unique’s Board, stated that the value proposition offered by Seat Unique, creating a new niche within a traditionally outdated market, impressed them from the first meeting. They are thrilled to be part of the journey with Robin and the team as they continue to experience growth.
To explore how Seat Unique can drive new customers to your premium ticket and hospitality offerings, please reach out to enquiries@seatunique.com. Join the ever-growing community of partners benefiting from Seat Unique’s innovative technology and services.