Most event tech startups start with a simple ticket commission model, but serious revenue comes from layered services. Examples include premium analytics, white-labelled portals for colleges, and managed operations for large fests.
Startups can also charge for NFC hardware rentals, custom integrations with college ERPs, and brand campaigns that run across multiple campuses. Each layer turns a one-time event into an ongoing relationship.
The key is to solve real operational problems first and then package those solutions into modular, repeatable offerings.