What does it take to leave a thriving Hollywood career behind and build a $225 million company? Julia Hartz, CEO of Eventbrite, did just that. Her bold move from TV to entrepreneurship is a story of vision, risk, and ultimate success.
From Hollywood to Eventbrite: Julia Hartz’s Bold Career Shift
In 2006, Julia Hartz made a life-changing decision. She left her successful career in Hollywood, where she worked on hit shows like Friends and The Shield, to launch Eventbrite with her husband Kevin Hartz and co-founder Renaud Visage. With less than $250,000 of personal funds, she embraced the uncertainty: “If it’s a disaster, we’ll just be broke,” she told Fortune.
How Eventbrite Grew to a $225 Million Valuation
Eventbrite’s success wasn’t overnight. Key factors in its growth include:
- Strategic Timing: Launched as social media began emphasizing real-world connections.
- Early Partnership: Facebook became one of Eventbrite’s first Connect partners.
- Economic Shift: The 2008 financial crisis increased demand for community events.
Eventbrite Today: A Platform for Shared Experiences
Eventbrite now serves 89 million monthly users across 180 countries. In 2024 alone, it distributed 83 million paid tickets for over 4.7 million events—from wrestling classes to cheese raves featuring celebrities like Antoni Porowski of Queer Eye.
Key Takeaways from Julia Hartz’s Journey
Hartz’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Identify a gap in the market based on personal experience.
- Be willing to take calculated risks.
- Leverage partnerships for rapid growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much did Julia Hartz invest to start Eventbrite?
A: She invested less than $250,000 of personal funds.
Q: What was Eventbrite’s valuation at its peak?
A: Eventbrite reached a $225 million valuation.
Q: How did the 2008 financial crisis affect Eventbrite?
A: It increased demand for community-driven events as people sought connection during economic uncertainty.
Q: What shows did Julia Hartz work on in Hollywood?
A: She worked on Friends, Jackass, and The Shield.
