Dubai's Ticketing Leader Aims for Unicorn Status with Platinumlist

Jul 15, 2026

80 min

Jul 15, 2026 04:31

Dubai's ticketing king reveals his masterplan to turn Platinumlist into a unicorn on The Hustle

## From Romania to Dubai Cosmin Ivan, originally from Romania, now leads Platinumlist, a Dubai-based ticketing platform operating in over 20 countries. His journey began in Romania's ticketing industry before moving to Dubai, where he quickly joined Platinumlist after spotting a job listing that matched his skills.

## Climbing the Ranks Ivan's rise within the company was gradual. Initially hesitant about promotions, he eventually accepted roles as operations manager and later CEO. His work philosophy emphasizes full commitment, often working odd hours to ensure smooth operations.

## Industry Evolution The ticketing industry in the UAE has transformed significantly. Ivan recalls a time when paper tickets were the norm, requiring government approval before sales. The shift to digital ticketing, driven by Dubai's tourism authority, was a pivotal moment for Platinumlist, allowing it to expand its offerings.

## Tackling Challenges The events industry is demanding, with long hours and high stress. Ivan notes that genuine passion for the work is essential for success. Despite regional tensions affecting event schedules, Platinumlist has managed to maintain strong sales, with many shows selling out.

## Combating Fraud Platinumlist actively fights ticket fraud, collaborating with Dubai's cyber police to shut down fake websites. Their "Ethical Resell" platform allows fans to resell tickets at face value, significantly reducing fraud.

## Future Ambitions Ivan aims to transform Platinumlist into a unicorn, a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion. The company is developing a new product line and expanding its AI tools to enhance event management. With recent expansions into the UK, France, and the Netherlands, Ivan is optimistic about reaching this goal.

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