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This is Des Moines startup Tikly’s third year at SXSW. Left: A poster designed by Des Moines’ Van Holmgren for Tikly’s 2012 concert. Right: The poster for this year’s Quantum Collective Southwest Invasion.
As entrepreneurs head to Austin for the beginnings of SXSW Interactive, Silicon Prairie startups are finding a myriad of ways to get in on the action. And for Emma Peterson, founder of Des Moines-based ticketing startup Tikly, the arrival of SXSW means another chance to collaborate with not only fellow entrepreneurs but also with members of the music industry her company might not otherwise reach.
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This year Tikly is helping present the Quantum Collective Southwest Invasion. We asked Peterson a few questions about her startup’s involvement in Austin this year and how SXSW has been helpful in growing Tikly.
Silicon Prairie News: Tell me a little about how Tikly gets involved with SXSW. What types of things have you done in the past?
Emma Peterson: This will be Tikly’s third year at SXSW. Every year, we attend the unofficial side of SXSW Music and have made some of our most valuable connections to grow the business while in town. I have found, even while attending other music conferences, that for Tikly the most productive thing we can do with our time and budget is to throw parties that include hours of showcasing artists who either currently are, previously have or we hope to have use Tikly in their touring life.
In previous years, we have thrown parties with our friends at PledgeMusic, Music Fog, The Vinefield Agency, Hello!Booking and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
SPN: How did you get plugged in to Quantum Collective?
EP: Though we could certainly throw our own parties and hope that if we build it, they will come, I really enjoy partnering with other music tech companies to grow our reach and impact while in Austin. So of course, when our friends at Section 101 asked if Tikly would like to be involved with the Quantum Collective Southwest Invasion, I had to say “yes!”
The Quantum Collective is an innovative music marketing company that brings musicians, artists, celebrities and brands together through original programming and live events. Their Southwest Invasion is one of the most talked about live music events during SXSW and I so admire the fact that proceeds from the two-day event will benefit the Whole Planet Foundation, supporting struggling families around the world.
This year’s lineup is definitely a knockout, featuring Lisa Marie Presley, Matisyahu, A Great Big World, Bad Things, G. Love, Suzanne Vega, Barcelona, Mary Lambert, Andrew Belle and so many more.
SPN: Why is SXSW a good fit for Tikly’s mission and goals?
EP: It gives us a chance to create new relationships while nurturing others that we have previously established.
The artists who play the SXSW unofficial parties and showcases are hard working entrepreneurs that may find value in what Tikly has to offer. The companies and venues that host these parties and showcases are all potential partners for Tikly in many capacities.
SPN: What are you most excited for this year?
EP: I am most excited to hang out at the Tikly booth during the Quantum Collective Southwest Invasion and enjoying so much great music while taking advantage of the opportunity to talk Tikly with anyone who might listen. I’m really proud of this little ticketing company I started and I truly enjoy every chance I get to grow it even bigger.
Credits: Event photos courtesy of Tikly. Emma Peterson photo from Faces of Innovation.
