A new platform has launched to support grassroots music venues – and tackle loneliness.
Liverpool-based GIGMATE is a free event discovery and fan community service that connects music fans, helping them to go to more gigs together.
It is focused on supporting small, independent music venues by driving awareness and ticket sales for their events.
The service is currently being trialled in Liverpool, Manchester, London, Leeds – and has ambitious plans to extend across the UK and beyond.
GIGMATE has recently been awarded an Innovate UK Creative Catalyst grant.
The team is working closely with the Music Venues Trust and their 835 members to support their objectives to protect, secure, and improve Grassroots Music Venues.
By facilitating supportive relationships and tackling social isolation through community building and live events, GIGMATE aims to make a meaningful impact on loneliness while supporting the lifeblood of the UK music sector.
“As a team, we are all very passionate about live music and have been lucky to work in such an amazing sector for over 50 years,” said founder Rob March, who was part of the startup cohort gaining invaluable advice at TechBlast’s FUEL Liverpool event this week.
“We now want to use our experience and networks to support small independent venues when they need it the most.
“We believe that live music has the power to connect and help total strangers develop long-term friendships through their shared passions.”
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