Today I posed a question to ChatGPT’s 2025-05-25 model:

Could you help me to understand how I can build an online ticketing platform like Brushfire?

Core Features¶

Certainly! Building an online ticketing platform like Brushfire involves combining several core features, backend technologies, and integrations to deliver a smooth experience for event organizers and attendees.

🧱 Core Features of a Platform Like Brushfire¶

👥 For Event Organizers¶

• Event creation and customization (name, date, location, categories)
• Ticket type management (e.g., general admission, VIP, early bird)
• Custom registration forms
• Reserved seating or general admission
• Analytics and reporting
• Promo codes and discounts
• Access control/scanning tools
• Email communications and notifications

🎟️ For Attendees¶

• Browse/search events
• Choose ticket types/seating
• Mobile-friendly checkout process
• Email confirmation with ticket/QR code
• Account management (view tickets, cancel, transfer, etc.)

🧰 Key Components of the Platform¶

1. Frontend (User Interface)¶

• Technologies: React.js / Next.js / Vue.js
• Mobile Responsive: Bootstrap/Tailwind CSS
• Event Pages: Detail pages with ticketing options
• Checkout Flow: Cart, payment info, confirmation page

2. Backend (Server Logic)¶

• Technologies: Node.js with Express / Django / Ruby on Rails / ASP.NET Core
• Database: PostgreSQL or MySQL (for events, users, transactions, seating layouts)
• APIs: REST or GraphQL APIs for frontend/backend communication
• Admin Panel: Dashboard for event organizers

3. Authentication & User Management¶

• Email/password login, Google/Facebook login (OAuth)
• Role-based access: admin, event organizer, attendee

4. Payments¶

• Stripe, PayPal, Square for processing payments
• Secure handling of card info via tokenized checkout
• Refund/cancellation handling

5. Tickets & Seating¶

• Ticket inventory system (capacity, reserved seating)
• PDF or QR code ticket generation
• Reserved seating: interactive map using SVG or Canvas (like SeatGeek or Ticketmaster)

6. Communication¶

• Email confirmations, reminders (SendGrid, Mailgun, or Amazon SES)
• SMS notifications (Twilio)

7. Event Scanning & Check-in¶

• Mobile scanning app or browser-based QR scanner
• API to validate/check-in tickets in real-time

8. Analytics¶

• Dashboard showing sales, revenue, attendance
• Export reports (CSV, PDF)

🔐 Security Considerations¶

• PCI compliance for payments
• Rate limiting and CAPTCHA for abusive actions
• Email verification and secure password storage (bcrypt)
• Audit logs for changes in admin tools

🚀 Hosting and Infrastructure¶

• Frontend: Vercel, Netlify, or custom hosting
• Backend: AWS (EC2/Lambda), Heroku, or Azure App Services
• Database: AWS RDS, Supabase, PlanetScale
• File Storage: AWS S3 for tickets, images, and receipts
• Domain & SSL: Cloudflare, Let’s Encrypt

🗺️ Suggested Tech Stack Example (MERN)¶

• Frontend: React + Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Node.js + Express.js
• Database: MongoDB (or PostgreSQL for relational data)
• Payments: Stripe
• Auth: Auth0 or custom JWT-based login
• Deployment: Vercel (frontend) + Heroku or Render (backend)

🧪 MVP Roadmap (Minimum Viable Product)¶

Would you like a diagram of the system or a step-by-step guide to start building? I can also help write a prototype in code (e.g., Express API + Stripe).

Stripe Setup¶

Could you give me the details on how I set up Stripe, and how I can ensure the funds are deposited in the organizer’s account?

Absolutely! Setting up Stripe for an online ticketing platform—especially one like Brushfire that collects payments on behalf of event organizers—involves Stripe Connect. This allows you to collect money from attendees and automatically route it to the right event organizer.

✅ Summary of What You Need¶

1. A Stripe account for your platform
2. Use Stripe Connect for handling payments for organizers
3. Allow each organizer to create or link a Stripe account
4. Use destination charges or separate charges and transfers
5. Handle payouts and platform fees

🧰 Step-by-Step Guide to Stripe Setup for Organizers¶

🧾 1. Create a Stripe Account¶

Go to https://dashboard.stripe.com/register and create a Stripe account for your platform.

🔌 2. Enable Stripe Connect¶

• In the Stripe dashboard:

  • Navigate to Settings > Connect
  • Enable Stripe Connect
  • Choose the type: “Standard accounts” (easiest) or “Express” (more customized)

For a ticketing platform, Express is most common.

👤 3. Onboard Event Organizers¶

You’ll need to onboard each organizer as a connected account.

Backend (Node.js/Express example):¶

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_your_secret_key');

app.post('/create-account-link', async (req, res) => {
  const account = await stripe.accounts.create({
    type: 'express',
    country: 'US',
    email: req.body.email
  });

  const accountLink = await stripe.accountLinks.create({
    account: account.id,
    refresh_url: 'https://yourapp.com/reauth',
    return_url: 'https://yourapp.com/dashboard',
    type: 'account_onboarding',
  });

  res.send({ url: accountLink.url });
});

• This creates an Express connected account and gives you a URL to onboard the organizer.
• Save account.id in your database, associated with the event organizer.

💸 4. Accept Payments on Behalf of Organizers¶

When someone buys a ticket, create a PaymentIntent with a transfer_data object:

Backend (Node.js example):¶

const paymentIntent = await stripe.paymentIntents.create({
  amount: 1000, // amount in cents
  currency: 'usd',
  payment_method_types: ['card'],
  transfer_data: {
    destination: organizerStripeAccountId, // Connected account ID
  },
  application_fee_amount: 100, // Your platform's fee in cents
});

This:

• Charges the customer
• Sends $9.00 to the organizer
• Keeps $1.00 as your fee

🔁 5. Handle Webhooks¶

Listen to Stripe webhooks to:

• Track payment success
• Confirm transfers
• Handle disputes/refunds

Set up a webhook endpoint:

app.post('/webhook', express.raw({type: 'application/json'}), (request, response) => {
  const event = stripe.webhooks.constructEvent(request.body, request.headers['stripe-signature'], endpointSecret);

  if (event.type === 'payment_intent.succeeded') {
    const paymentIntent = event.data.object;
    // Update ticket status, send confirmation, etc.
  }

  response.status(200).send();
});

🏦 6. Organizer Payouts¶

With Express accounts, Stripe handles payouts automatically to the organizer’s bank account. You do not need to handle this manually unless you choose Custom accounts (not recommended unless you’re doing advanced use cases).

🔒 Important Considerations¶

• KYC compliance: Stripe handles this with Express onboarding.
• Fraud and refunds: Your platform is liable for chargebacks. Build fraud checks into your logic (e.g., Stripe Radar, email/phone verification).
• Terms of service: Make sure you define roles (organizer vs buyer) clearly.

🔗 Final Notes¶

• Stripe Connect docs: https://stripe.com/docs/connect
• You can test connected account logic using Stripe’s test account IDs (acct_...)
• In production, ensure you’re using live secret keys and HTTPS endpoints

Would you like help with:

• A working Node.js Express example repo?
• A PostgreSQL schema to store connected accounts and ticket sales?
• Or the frontend integration (e.g. using Stripe Elements for the checkout)?

Brushfire’s Payment Handling¶

How does Brushfire handle payments?

Brushfire handles payments using a combination of in-house payment processing tools and third-party integrations, most notably Stripe and Authorize.Net, tailored for event organizers. Based on public information and industry best practices, here’s how Brushfire likely handles payments:

💰 How Brushfire Handles Payments (As of Current Info)¶

✅ 1. Organizer-Centric Payment Model¶

Brushfire allows event organizers to control where payments are deposited. This means:

• Organizers can connect their own Stripe or Authorize.Net accounts
• Ticket payments go directly into the organizer’s merchant account
• Brushfire does not always hold funds—it simply facilitates the transaction and charges a service fee

💳 2. Multiple Payment Processor Support¶

Brushfire supports these major processors:

• Stripe (modern, easy onboarding, widely used)
• Authorize.Net (popular among nonprofits and large organizations)
• Possibly manual payments (invoicing, check/cash at the door)

Organizers can choose their preferred gateway based on:

• Region
• Fee structure
• Payout speed

💸 3. Per-Ticket and Service Fees¶

• Brushfire charges a per-ticket service fee, which:

  • Can be paid by the organizer or passed on to the attendee
  • Is configurable

• Example: If a $25 ticket includes a $2.50 service fee, the attendee sees $27.50 total at checkout (if passed on)

🔗 4. Payout Model¶

If the organizer connects their Stripe account:

• Payments are deposited directly into the organizer’s bank account
• Brushfire charges its fee via Stripe Connect’s application_fee_amount feature (just like we discussed earlier)
• Refunds and disputes are handled by the organizer’s Stripe account

If using Authorize.Net:

• Payments go through the organizer’s merchant account
• Brushfire likely invoices for their portion later or deducts via an API hook

📦 5. Checkout & Ticket Delivery¶

• Tickets are delivered immediately via email upon successful payment
• The platform supports multiple ticket types, discount codes, and promo pricing

🔒 6. Security & Compliance¶

• PCI-DSS compliant
• Tokenized payments via Stripe or Authorize.Net
• No credit card data is stored directly on Brushfire servers

🎯 Summary: Brushfire Payment Flow¶

⚙️ Why This Model Works¶

• Organizers keep control of their funds and refunds
• Brushfire avoids financial liability for disputes/chargebacks
• Scales well across thousands of events with minimal overhead

If you’re building your own version of Brushfire, you’d want to replicate this platform model using Stripe Connect Express, allowing:

• Each organizer to have their own connected account
• Payments routed directly to them
• Your platform to take a configurable fee per transaction

Would you like a ready-made Stripe Connect integration flow or a UI mockup of the onboarding and payment process?

From now on, could you assume I am using a Clojure backend and HTMX on the frontend?

Got it! From now on, I’ll assume you’re using a Clojure backend (likely with something like ring or reitit) and HTMX on the frontend. If you want help with wiring up Stripe Connect, building HTMX components for ticketing, or integrating payments with Clojure libraries, I can provide tailored examples. Just let me know what part you’re working on.

Stripe Connect¶

Could you show me that stripe connect integration flow?

Absolutely! Here’s a complete Stripe Connect integration flow tailored for your Clojure backend (e.g. using ring, compojure, or reitit) and HTMX frontend.

We’ll focus on:

• Creating a connected Stripe Express account for each organizer
• Redirecting them to Stripe’s onboarding flow
• Saving their Stripe account ID
• Accepting payments on their behalf
• Sending your platform a fee

🧱 Assumptions¶

• Clojure backend using Stripe Java client via interop
• HTMX frontend (for dynamic interactions)
• Backend routing via reitit (or similar)
• You have Stripe secret key stored as STRIPE_SECRET_KEY

✅ Setup¶

Add Stripe Java SDK to deps.edn:

{:deps {com.stripe/stripe-java {:mvn/version "24.6.0"}}}

Then initialize Stripe in your backend startup:

(ns yourapp.stripe
  (:import [com.stripe Stripe]))

(defn init-stripe! []
  (set! Stripe/apiKey "sk_test_...your-key..."))

Call (init-stripe!) when the app starts.

🔗 1. Organizer Onboarding Flow (Create Connect Account)¶

Backend: Route to generate account and onboarding link¶

(ns yourapp.routes.stripe
  (:require [ring.util.response :refer [redirect response]]
            [yourapp.db :as db])
  (:import [com.stripe.model Account AccountLink]
           [com.stripe.param AccountCreateParams AccountLinkCreateParams]))

(defn create-connect-account [email user-id]
  (let [params (-> (AccountCreateParams/builder)
                   (.setType AccountCreateParams$Type/EXPRESS)
                   (.setEmail email)
                   (.build))
        account (.create Account params)]
    ;; Save account ID to your DB (linked to user-id)
    (db/save-stripe-account-id! user-id (.getId account))
    account))

(defn create-account-link [account-id]
  (let [params (-> (AccountLinkCreateParams/builder)
                   (.setAccount account-id)
                   (.setRefreshUrl "https://yourapp.com/organizer/reauth")
                   (.setReturnUrl "https://yourapp.com/organizer/dashboard")
                   (.setType AccountLinkCreateParams$Type/ACCOUNT_ONBOARDING)
                   (.build))]
    (.create AccountLink params)))

(defn handle-stripe-connect [req]
  (let [user-id (get-in req [:session :user-id])
        user-email (db/get-user-email user-id)
        existing-id (db/get-stripe-account-id user-id)
        account (or (when existing-id (Account/retrieve existing-id))
                    (create-connect-account user-email user-id))
        link (create-account-link (.getId account))]
    (redirect (.getUrl link))))

Route¶

["/organizer/stripe-connect" {:get handle-stripe-connect}]

💸 2. Creating a PaymentIntent with Transfer¶

Backend: Create PaymentIntent and associate organizer’s account¶

(ns yourapp.routes.payments
  (:import [com.stripe.model PaymentIntent]
           [com.stripe.param PaymentIntentCreateParams]))

(defn create-payment-intent [req]
  (let [organizer-id (get-in req [:params :organizer-id])
        stripe-account-id (db/get-stripe-account-id organizer-id)
        amount 2500 ;; e.g. $25.00 in cents
        fee 300 ;; $3.00 platform fee
        params (-> (PaymentIntentCreateParams/builder)
                   (.setAmount (long amount))
                   (.setCurrency "usd")
                   (.addPaymentMethodType "card")
                   (.setTransferData
                    (-> (PaymentIntentCreateParams$TransferData/builder)
                        (.setDestination stripe-account-id)
                        (.build)))
                   (.setApplicationFeeAmount (long fee))
                   (.build))
        intent (.create PaymentIntent params)]
    (response {:client-secret (.getClientSecret intent)})))

Your HTMX form can then use the client secret to complete payment on the frontend with Stripe Elements.

🧾 3. Webhooks¶

Stripe will send events like payment_intent.succeeded and account.updated.

(ns yourapp.routes.webhooks
  (:require [cheshire.core :as json])
  (:import [com.stripe.net Webhook]))

(def webhook-secret "whsec_...")

(defn handle-stripe-webhook [req]
  (let [payload (slurp (:body req))
        sig-header (get-in req [:headers "stripe-signature"])
        event (Webhook/constructEvent payload sig-header webhook-secret)
        event-type (.getType event)
        data-object (.getObject (.getData event))]
    (case event-type
      "payment_intent.succeeded"
      (do
        ;; handle ticket delivery, update DB
        (println "Payment succeeded!" (.getId data-object)))
      "account.updated"
      (println "Account updated" (.getId data-object))
      nil)
    (response {:status "ok"})))

🧪 4. HTMX Frontend Sample¶

<button
  hx-get="/organizer/stripe-connect"
  hx-redirect="true"
  class="btn btn-primary">
  Connect Stripe
</button>

This button triggers the onboarding flow.

✅ Summary of Flow¶

Would you like the Stripe Elements + HTMX integration for the checkout UI next?

Best Tooling?¶

Before you do, I have a question to ask:

What would be the most sensible set of tools to build this with if I would like the simplest possible system with as few lines of code as possible?

Ruby/Rails, Python/Django, Clojure/Kit, Node/Express, or something else?

Great question. If your primary goal is simplicity and minimal code, here’s a breakdown of the most sensible options based on practical trade-offs:

🥇 Best Overall for Simplicity: Ruby on Rails¶

✅ Why?¶

• Convention over configuration: So much is done for you automatically.
• Devise + ActiveRecord + Hotwire: User auth, DB, interactivity out-of-the-box.
• First-class Stripe support: Pay gem integrates Stripe Connect cleanly.
• Admin, emails, jobs, file uploads — all batteries included.

🚀 Example:¶

• Stripe Connect setup is a few lines via Pay
• Controllers, forms, and views are super terse
• Minimal glue code

📉 Downsides:¶

• Performance is “good enough,” but not ideal for real-time/high concurrency
• You need to like (or tolerate) Ruby

🥈 Runner-up: Python with Django¶

✅ Why?¶

• Mature ecosystem, great admin interface
• Stripe integration is well-documented (via dj-stripe or DIY)
• Strong community and plugin ecosystem

📉 Downsides:¶

• A bit more verbose than Rails
• Settings/configs can get complicated in larger projects

🥉 Simplicity but DIY Feel: Node.js with Express¶

✅ Why?¶

• Full control, minimal boilerplate
• Tons of Stripe examples
• Easy to deploy (especially on Vercel/Fly/Render)

📉 Downsides:¶

• You’ll write more glue code than Rails/Django
• No standard ORM or built-in admin/dashboard
• Less opinionated = more decisions

🔧 If You Love Lisp: Clojure + Kit/HTMX¶

✅ Why?¶

• You already know Clojure, so less context switching
• HTMX + Kit keeps frontend simple
• Clear data model and interop with Stripe’s Java SDK

📉 Downsides:¶

• You’ll write more infrastructure code
• Less community support/examples for things like Stripe Connect, auth flows, etc.
• Stripe Java SDK is verbose and not idiomatic for Clojure

🏆 TL;DR Recommendation¶

If you want the simplest working system with the fewest moving parts and least custom code:

Let me know your top priority (speed, flexibility, staying in Clojure, or building a team-ready product), and I can help you zero in.

What about Elixir?¶

What about elixir?

Elixir—especially with Phoenix LiveView—is a seriously compelling choice if you want a system that is:

• Real-time by default
• Highly productive
• Minimal on frontend JavaScript
• Built to scale from day one

Here’s how it stacks up in your context:

🧪 Elixir + Phoenix: Should You Use It?¶

✅ Why Elixir/Phoenix Could Be Ideal¶

1. LiveView simplifies frontend

   • No need for HTMX or SPA complexity
   • You get interactive, dynamic UIs with pure Elixir

2. Excellent Stripe support

   • Libraries like stripity_stripe or DIY with minimal code
   • Easy to implement Stripe Connect with Phoenix controllers

3. Great developer ergonomics

   • Code is concise and readable
   • Hot reload, debugging, testing are excellent

4. Built-in clustering and background jobs

   • Oban (background job processing)
   • PubSub for live updates

📉 Downsides¶

• Learning curve: Elixir is very different from imperative languages
• Smaller ecosystem (vs. Rails/Django)
• Stripe’s official SDKs are in JS, Ruby, Python, Java — not Elixir — so you’ll use raw HTTP APIs or stripity_stripe, which is actively maintained but not official

🧾 Stripe Connect in Phoenix¶

• You can build the whole Stripe Connect Express flow in a few Phoenix routes

• Real-time updates (e.g. after webhook confirms payment) are easy with LiveView + PubSub

• Clean separation of concerns:

  • Organizer account model
  • Event model
  • Payment intents created per event with fee + destination

✅ When Elixir Is a Great Fit for You¶

🏁 Final Verdict on Elixir¶

If you’re okay investing a bit of time to learn, Elixir/Phoenix is arguably the most elegant and scalable way to build an online ticketing platform. You get:

• Persistent, real-time views
• Simple Stripe integration
• Lightweight code without sacrificing robustness

But if your main goal is fastest MVP with fewest lines, Rails still wins by a hair.

Would you like a minimal Phoenix + Stripe Connect project structure or code sample next?

🧾 Simple Business Plan: Independent Ticketing Platform for Event Organizers¶

Could you write me a simple business plan, and a case for quitting my job and working on this for six months? I have event runner connections.

Absolutely. Here’s a straightforward business plan and a rational case for leaving your job to pursue building a ticketing platform—tailored to your skills, industry position, and 6-month commitment.

🎯 Vision¶

To build a lightweight, transparent, and flexible online ticketing platform tailored for independent and mid-sized event organizers who want fair fees, direct payouts, and custom control—without the bloat and opacity of platforms like Eventbrite or Brushfire.

📌 Problem¶

• Platforms like Eventbrite/Brushfire charge high per-ticket fees and offer limited payout control.
• Organizers don’t own their customer data or control the checkout experience.
• Small/medium events are underserved by bloated tools or forced to hack together Stripe forms and Google Sheets.

💡 Solution¶

A lean, modern ticketing platform built with:

• Direct Stripe Connect payouts
• Fully embeddable checkout
• Zero monthly fee, small per-ticket fee or organizer-controlled pricing
• Real-time dashboards
• Optional upsells: merch, VIP access, donations

👥 Target Market¶

• Mid-size independent events (200–5,000 attendees)
• Church conferences, music shows, indie film fests, fitness events, local theater
• Organizers frustrated by Eventbrite/Brushfire pricing or inflexibility

Your personal event runner connections give you a warm-entry wedge into this market.

💰 Revenue Model¶

• 3% per ticket sold (negotiable)

• Optional monthly subscription for:

  • White-labeling / custom branding
  • Advanced analytics
  • Reserved seating or tiered ticketing
  • Email marketing integration

Example:

10 events/month × 1,000 tickets × $30 avg price × 3% = $9,000 MRR

🚧 Timeline (6-Month Build Plan)¶

🔨 Tech Stack¶

🔁 Go-to-Market Strategy¶

• Start with warm organizer intros (yours)
• Run private beta for 2–3 high-trust events
• Build testimonials and results (“Stripe pays me directly, no 10-day delay!”)
• Outreach to similar verticals (churches, indie venues, etc.)
• Optional: affiliate/referral bonus for organizers

💼 The Case for Quitting Your Job (Temporarily)¶

🎯 Strategic Advantages¶

• You already have a trusted network of event organizers
• You’re technically capable of building the full product stack
• Stripe takes care of all the hardest financial parts
• HTMX or LiveView lets you skip frontend complexity
• Competitors are bloated or overpriced—there’s a clear gap

⏱️ Time Sensitivity¶

• If you don’t build this now, someone else will. AI tools and Stripe Connect make it easier than ever.
• Your network’s interest is highest now—waiting reduces momentum.

💵 Financial Case¶

Assume modest success:

• First 6 months: $0–$2K/mo (testing, feedback)
• Month 7–12: 5 events/mo × 1,000 tickets × $2 avg fee = $10K MRR potential
• Burn rate: ~$2K/mo (low if you freelance part-time or run lean)

Your upside after 6 months: a working SaaS with early revenue and paying users.

If it fails: you’ve lost 6 months of salary, but built a SaaS from scratch, deepened network, and grown your skills for future independence.

🔥 Gut Check¶

Are you more afraid of losing 6 months of salary, or of watching this exact idea take off in someone else’s hands?

If your answer is the latter—then it’s worth the shot.

✅ Summary: Why It’s Sensible to Quit and Build This¶

• You have technical ability, market insight, and distribution
• The MVP is small, Stripe handles most complexity
• The problem is real, the demand is latent, and timing is ripe
• You only need a few committed organizers to validate the product
• You’ll never regret shipping and trying, but you will regret watching someone else do it

Would you like a pitch deck or landing page mockup to show organizers or investors next?

Yes, please give me a pitch deck.

Pitch Deck¶

Here’s a concise 10-slide pitch deck for your ticketing platform, tailored to impress early event organizers, angel investors, or even just clarify your own plan.

🧾 [Slide 1] Title Slide¶

Logo/Name: [Your Platform Name] Tagline: “Simple. Direct. Transparent Ticketing.” Presented by: [Your Name] Contact: [email]

🎯 [Slide 2] Problem¶

🎫 Event organizers face these pain points:

• High per-ticket fees from platforms like Eventbrite
• Payouts are delayed and hard to track
• No control over branding or checkout flow
• Attendee data is locked away
• Limited flexibility for complex event types

“I just want to sell tickets and get paid fast.” — Real organizer

💡 [Slide 3] Solution¶

A lean, customizable platform that puts organizers in control:

• Direct Stripe payouts — organizers are paid instantly
• Fully embeddable checkouts — works with any site
• Transparent pricing — flat 3% or pass fees to buyers
• Real-time dashboards and instant QR check-ins
• Own your data — full access to attendee lists

👤 [Slide 4] Who It’s For¶

🎟️ Target customers:

• Independent conferences
• Church events and worship nights
• Music festivals and small venue concerts
• Fitness & wellness events
• Nonprofits and fundraisers 📣 You already have connections in these spaces.

💸 [Slide 5] Business Model¶

🧾 Revenue from:

• 3% fee per ticket sold (or passed to customer)

• Optional monthly subscription for:

  • Branding + custom domains
  • Reserved seating
  • VIP tiers, upsells, donations 💰 Example:

• 5 events/mo × 1,000 tickets × $30 avg × 3% = $4,500 MRR

⚙️ [Slide 6] Product Demo / Flow¶

(Include 3–5 screenshots or a diagram of how it works)

• Event organizer signs up → connects Stripe
• Creates an event → sets tickets, capacity, branding
• Embed checkout or share link
• Attendees pay → Stripe sends funds directly to organizer
• Organizer manages attendees, check-ins, and emails in real time

🚀 [Slide 7] Go-to-Market Plan¶

📌 First 3–6 months:

• Leverage personal network of organizers
• Launch with 3–5 beta events
• Build testimonials + case studies 📈 Expand via:
• Affiliate/referral program
• Church and nonprofit partnerships
• Niche communities (indie theaters, fitness instructors)

🏗️ [Slide 8] Tech & Roadmap¶

🛠️ Stack: Clojure/HTMX (or Phoenix/LiveView), Stripe Connect, PostgreSQL 📅 Roadmap:

• MVP in 4–6 weeks
• Beta with real events in Month 2
• Paid version live by Month 3
• Break-even by Month 6
• Event templates, white-labeling by Month 9

📊 [Slide 9] Competitive Landscape¶

You compete on: simplicity, transparency, and direct payments.

👋 [Slide 10] Ask / CTA¶

🎯 If you’re a potential partner:

• Let me run your next event—I’ll help you onboard
• Early users get 0% fees for 3 months

📩 If you’re an investor or advisor:

• I’m looking for 6 months of focus runway + intros
• Goal: 10 paying events by Month 4, scale from there

Would you like this formatted as a Google Slides deck, PDF, or in a website landing page next?