#493 Reimagining Events with Tech: Cosmin Ivan on Scaling Platinumlist Across MENA

In this episode of The CTO Show, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Cosmin Ivan, CEO of Platinumlist, the leading event and ticketing platform in the MENA region. From selling tickets by hand to building a platform used for the biggest concerts and sporting events, Cosmin shares his 18-year journey and how Platinumlist became a trusted tech partner for global entertainment brands. They unpack the power of secure, scalable event tech, what it takes to expand across culturally diverse markets, and why trust, transparency, and customer experience drive long-term success. 💡 What You’ll Learn • How Platinumlist evolved into MENA’s most trusted ticketing tech platform • The role of security, dynamic QR codes, and anti-scalping measures • Why a great user experience begins before the event • Strategies for scaling across culturally diverse countries • Cosmin’s leadership approach to change management and team building • The future of AI, blockchain, and Web3 in entertainment tech • Opportunities for startup founders in the MENA event ecosystem ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Tech alone isn’t enough—simplicity and trust are critical. • 85% drop in ticket fraud after adopting dynamic QR and bank-grade encryption. • Customer experience is an end-to-end journey, not a single touchpoint. • The GCC’s mobility and transparency offer a unique opportunity for entertainment startups. 👤 About the Guest Cosmin Ivan is the CEO of Platinumlist, the region’s leading event discovery and ticketing platform. With nearly two decades in the industry, Cosmin helped grow the company from a scrappy 3-person operation to a regional tech powerhouse operating across the GCC. He’s an advocate for customer-centric design, ethical reselling, and event tech innovation. https://platinumlist.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmin-ivan-38546582/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and welcome 02:00 – Cosmin’s journey from Europe to Platinumlist 06:00 – Defining a great event experience 10:00 – Leveraging tech to eliminate fraud and scalping 15:00 – Behind the scenes: Dynamic QR and secure ticketing 20:00 – Scaling Platinumlist across MENA 25:00 – Leading change and adapting to regional nuances 30:00 – The future of event tech: AI, Web3, crowd analytics 36:00 – What’s next for Platinumlist 39:00 – Advice for entertainment tech entrepreneurs in MENA 42:00 – Final thoughts on leadership and team culture