Applauze

About Applauze

Originally founded as 955 Dreams in 2010 by TJ Zark, Kyle Oba, and Kiran Bellubbi, the company initially gained recognition for developing polished mobile applications like "History of Jazz" and the successful "Band of the Day". This background in creating well-received, content-driven apps set the stage for a strategic pivot into the event ticketing market.

The company rebranded as Applauze and launched its mobile ticketing application, shifting its focus to become a technology-driven, direct-to-fan platform. This move was financed by a $3.3 million seed round in September 2012, followed by a Series A round of $7.2 million in October 2013 from investors including True Ventures, m8 Capital, and StubHub co-founder Jeff Fluhr. The platform serves artists, their management, and event organizers by providing a comprehensive solution for managing ticket sales and fan engagement. The business model involves aggregating tickets from primary sellers and secondary markets, allowing users to purchase them directly through the app, which is designed for ease of use and price transparency.

Applauze's product is a mobile application that uses data analytics and machine learning to help users discover and buy tickets for a wide range of events, including concerts, sports, and theater productions. For artists and organizers, the platform delivers analytics and insights to better understand and connect with their fanbase. A key feature is its user interface and the ability to offer VIP perks for certain events. The company also established a customer service call center to enhance the user experience, underscoring its commitment to service. In January 2016, Applauze was acquired by LaneOne.