Featured News

Bandwagon targets new sectors following IdealSeat takeover

Bandwagon has acquired the assets of fellow US fan analytics company IdealSeat and is seeking to tap into new sectors as the Covid-19 crisis continues to engulf sport.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but Bandwagon will integrate IdealSeat’s Fan Intelligence ticketing platform for sports franchises.

Bandwagon, which has raised $2m in funding since it was established in 2014, was originally in competition with IdealSeat in the B2C space, with the latter having launched in the same year. However, when IdealSeat pivoted to a B2B model in 2016, Bandwagon became its first new customer, and the two companies have worked together ever since.

In announcing the deal, Bandwagon founder and chief executive Harold Hughes thanked IdealSeat co-founder Joel Carben and said further details would be revealed in due course about “how we got here, the market opportunity for the live event space (both digital and in-person), as well as the future of fan intelligence”.

IdealSeat had previously raised more than $1m in funding, with its backers including Stadia Ventures, former NFL American football player Marques Colston and Seattle investor Gary Rubens. The company’s client roster includes the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise.

Bandwagon also works outside the sports industry and in other live events. Hughes said following the deal that the newly combined entity would explore opportunities in other sectors, including healthcare and security, with the sports industry facing an uncertain time due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Two years ago, Bandwagon shifted its focus to using blockchain technology to help sports teams and venues improve the fan experience on game days.

Bandwagon’s Stadium Identity Management Platform was developed for professional sports organisations and college athletic departments, to support users in identifying game-day fans so that they can deliver personalised experiences.

Before then, Bandwagon focused on helping fans by finding better seats that are tailored to what they want.

Image: Florin K

Modification: Bandwagon image added

Posted in Featured NewsTagged |