TL;DR
- XP raises $6.2M to power its innovative Solana-based ticketing platform, challenging traditional systems with hidden fees and outdated tech.
- By leveraging blockchain and NFTs, it delivers tamperproof digital tickets, reducing fraud and scalping while enabling streamlined USDC payments.
- Under the leadership of CEO Mike Saunders, the platform is poised to expand API integrations and fan-centric features for secure, real-time event experiences.
XP, a pioneering ticketing resale platform built on Solana’s high-speed network, has raised $6.2 million in seed funding to redefine the live event experience. Backed by prominent investors including Blockchange, L1D, and Reflexive, the platform is setting out to disrupt a legacy industry known for hidden fees and outdated technology.
We're thrilled to share XP has raised $6.2M to build the future of ticketing–with fans at the center–led by @blockchangevc with @L1D_xyz, @reflexivexyz, and others.
More below on how this accelerates our mission to build the most fulfilling live experiences for fans 👇 pic.twitter.com/38AohaLheF
— XP (@xpticket) May 15, 2025
A Blockchain Boost for Ticketing
The platform’s innovation lies in its seamless integration of blockchain technology into ticketing, a field long plagued by inefficiencies and fraud. By encrypting ticket codes as NFTs, the platform creates tamperproof digital tickets that thwart scalping and prevent duplicate use.
Users can connect their crypto wallets and pay with USDC, enjoying a smooth, secure, and transparent transaction process. This cutting-edge approach not only streamlines ticket sales but also offers fans an exciting glimpse into the future of digital attendance.
Veteran Leadership Driving Innovation
At the helm of the platform is founder and CEO Mike Saunders, a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a track record of disruptive ventures. Saunders previously experienced success with a digital food ordering platform acquired by GrubHub and later led a tech development firm.
Now, with XP, his first foray into blockchain, he is channeling decades of industry expertise into crafting a platform focused on genuine fan engagement. Saunders’s vision transcends conventional ticketing; he aims to create an ecosystem where verified fandom unlocks exclusive rewards, personalized perks, and unforgettable live experiences.
Shaping the Future of Live Events
The new funding will help the platform grow its connections with key ticketing APIs and introduce features to improve fan engagement. In an industry recently pressured by regulatory moves to eliminate hidden fees, the platform’s transparent, all-inclusive pricing model stands out as a welcome change.
The platform’s strategic use of Solana’s ultra-fast network ensures real-time inventory updates and smooth, high-volume processing, even during high-demand events. As traditional giants like TicketMaster and SeatGeek face increasing criticism, the platform’s approach positions it as the ticketing solution for a new eventgoer generation.
This bold initiative marks a significant step toward a future where blockchain technology revolutionizes everyday transactions, making live event experiences more accessible, secure, and fan-focused.
