FranciscoSaez

Nixter

The easiest way to get on the list. A nightlife ticketing App that allowed partygoers to easily get on the guest list and buy event tickets.

Acquired by Skout, Inc. in 2014.

Nixter, Inc.
Founder
2012
Nixter

Process

What If?

In 2009, after working as a nightclub promoter, I recognized an opportunity to capitalize on my loyal customer base by creating a discount card.

This card granted access to multiple guest lists without the need for re-submitting personal information.
The venture, initially a 'ramen profitable' business, grew from zero to over 10,000 users in Santiago, Chile.

Leading a startup while studying wasn't easy, and after nearly facing expulsion from engineering school, we decided to shut down operations. However, this setback sparked the question: What if this card could become an app? What if users could see where their friends were going? What if we could recommend parties based on interests and sell tickets to events?

This marked the beginning of transitioning from an 'analog' business model to a scalable opportunity that required development and launch in the right market.

The Right Team

Transitioning from a non-tech company to a 'Tech Startup' required assembling the right team. In 2011, my brother Joaquín (18) and I (20) crossed paths with the Yarad brothers, Vicente (20) and Francisco (16), forming a partnership that endures today.

We swiftly progressed from idea to product, creating a service to manage access control for corporate events, delivering beautifully designed email invitations with QR codes read by our Check-in App.

This venture laid the foundation for our work culture and acquainted us with the technologies pivotal in creating Nixter.

Preparation Meets Opportunity

Our collaboration in 2011 facilitated learning and growth, paving the way for the conceptualization of 'Nixter,' a nightlife ticketing app.

After securing spots in several startup programs in Chile and winning acceptance into Plug and Play, a three-month acceleration program in Silicon Valley, we embarked on our journey to San Francisco.

The Hard Truth

Nixter was developed over three months and released in March 2012.

Despite high expectations and acclaim in the Chilean entrepreneurial ecosystem, our performance metrics fell short.
By the end of 2012, we were out of funds, struggling to gain traction, and contemplating our next steps.

Data Data Data

A pivotal moment came when Niko Bonatsos, now a Partner at General Catalyst, provided a reality check.
Despite our aspirations to raise USD$10MM, our mediocre retention numbers painted a different picture.
Niko's advice to focus on what our users were repeatedly doing led us to overhaul the app, simplifying its value proposition based on user behavior.

Start Again

After analyzing data, reassessing the competitive landscape, and redesigning the app to align with a simpler value proposition, we relaunched 'The New Nixter' in January 2013.

The revamped app focused solely on getting users on guest lists quickly, resulting in unprecedented growth and monthly recurring retention rates.

A year later, we were acquired by Skout, Inc., enabling expansion into Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Las Vegas with the release of 'Nightlifegraph,' our comprehensive SaaS solution for nightclub management.

Nixter 1.0
The New Nixter
Nixter Team

Outcome

Acquired by Skout, Inc. in 2014.

Grew operations to Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas and New York after launching Nightclub Management SaaS "Nightlifegraph".

More work