Viagogo

Who Owns Viagogo?

Viagogo is one of the most well-known online platforms for buying and selling tickets to live events, including concerts, sports, theater performances, and more. The question of who owns Viagogo is of interest to many, especially as the platform has made headlines for its rapid growth and controversial business practices.

A Brief Overview of Viagogo

Founded in 2006 by Eric Baker, Viagogo emerged as a major player in the secondary ticketing market. The platform allows individuals to sell their event tickets to others, often at a higher price than the face value. Viagogo’s business model is centered around connecting ticket sellers with buyers, creating an open marketplace for hard-to-get tickets.

Before founding Viagogo, Eric Baker co-founded StubHub, another major ticketing platform, which was later sold to eBay in 2007. Baker’s involvement in both ventures highlights his significant influence on the online ticketing industry.

The Ownership Structure of Viagogo

Viagogo is a privately owned company, with Eric Baker serving as its CEO. While the exact breakdown of its ownership is not publicly available, it is widely believed that Baker holds a majority stake in the company. Viagogo operates globally, with a presence in countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.

Viagogo made a notable acquisition in 2020 when it purchased StubHub from eBay for $4.05 billion. This move consolidated Viagogo’s position in the ticket resale market, creating one of the largest ticket marketplaces in the world. The merger of these two companies signified a major shift in the secondary ticketing industry, with Viagogo emerging as a dominant force.

Viagogo’s Controversies and Criticisms

While Viagogo’s growth has been impressive, the company has not been without its share of controversy. Many consumer protection groups and governments have raised concerns about the high prices on the platform, as well as issues related to transparency in ticket resale.

For example, Viagogo has faced legal action in multiple countries for misleading consumers about ticket prices and availability. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) took Viagogo to court over its business practices, forcing the company to make significant changes to how it operates in the country.

Despite these challenges, Viagogo remains a major player in the global ticketing market, continuing to expand its reach.

What the Future Holds for Viagogo

As the world of live events evolves, Viagogo’s position in the ticket resale market will likely continue to face scrutiny. However, with its vast resources and international presence, the company is well-positioned to adapt to changing regulations and consumer demands.

The acquisition of StubHub has given Viagogo significant leverage in the marketplace, allowing it to dominate the secondary ticket market. With Eric Baker at the helm, Viagogo is expected to continue growing, albeit under closer regulatory watch.

Who owns Viagogo? The company is privately owned, with Eric Baker as its founder and CEO, playing a pivotal role in its operations and strategy. The acquisition of StubHub has solidified Viagogo’s position as a leader in the ticket resale industry, though it continues to navigate regulatory challenges around the world.

For more information on who owns various companies, visit Who Owns. For additional resources on ticket reselling regulations and consumer protection, check out this external link to the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s website here.