
From Frustration to Innovation: The Birth of Tix
Tix, a rising star in Nigeria's event ticketing scene, wasn’t born from a lofty vision but rather a personal frustration. According to CEO Folayemi Agusto, the company originated out of necessity. As co-founder of Eat.Drink.Lagos, she faced challenges in managing ticket sales and customer data during events. Traditional platforms didn’t support local payment methods adequately, making the ticketing experience cumbersome and unmanageable. Thus, Tix emerged as a solution not only for Agusto's business but for others facing similar issues.
A Journey Through Adversity: Surviving COVID-19
Like many startups, Tix's growth was abruptly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as they were beginning to solidify their business model, the world shifted, making live events a distant dream. Agusto recalls the uncertainty: "I didn’t know if Tix had a future. But I knew I wanted to survive." The company faced difficult choices, including salary cuts and a pivot towards virtual events. Employing creativity, Tix integrated Zoom capabilities, ensuring they could still facilitate virtual gatherings, albeit with limited revenue. This adaptability is a testament to the resilience of startups in volatile environments.
Execution as a Strategy: Lessons from Tix’s Growth
As a critical reflection on Tix’s development, Agusto emphasizes execution over mere vision. The evolution of Tix was marked by a series of practical decisions that allowed them to weather storms and seize new opportunities. Starting with a rudimentary prototype, the company's determined effort to iterate and improve led to a product that not only serves its users but also fulfills a broader need in Nigeria's dynamically changing event landscape. As the company looks toward future growth, the focus remains on understanding market needs and responding effectively.
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