Not all wedges are created equal

A 36 day journey of discovery

After an exciting 36 days in Texas's vibrant DFW comedy scene, Fancrowd's home, Mo and I were targeting comedians to create buzz for our app as part of our wedge strategy. Yet, our compass was off by a few clicks, our so-called wedge strategy was more a hidden gem, a role cloaked not just in laughter but in a profound community spirit. My favorite definition of a wedge is from Lenny Rachitsky: “In business, as in rock cutting, a wedge is made up of two parts: 1) the right tool and 2) the right place to strike”. Here's a peek into the journey of two comedy outsiders discovering the genuine wedge that took them by surprise.

Off the bat, the comedy community's energy was felt. By Day 2, we had Royal YUM in Denton ready as our stage for our first show 'Denton Laughs,' marking the start of an exciting journey from securing our venue, building the stage with our own hands, booking comedians, to daily promotions leading up to the event. Despite the initial ticket sale challenges, Day 8 brought unexpected allies from Ericka Estrella, a local photographer expanding her comedy portfolio, and Alfred Kainga, a seasoned comic prepping for his Netflix special who asked to join our lineup. Their involvement catalyzed a wave of interest, culminating in a sold-out show by Day 11. The success of the show wasn't just in the numbers; it was a vibrant showcase of community, laughter, and the perfect atmosphere, proving that our efforts had tapped into something far greater than just comedy.

After the community embraced our initiative, it became clear that a strategic shift was necessary; our initial wedge approach needed refinement. After all, our business is not in producing or managing shows. Despite the event's success and positive feedback, the logistical challenges shed light on an overlooked asset: producers. These key players bridge venues, comics, and audiences, shaping memorable experiences while using 3-5 platforms to do so. This realization inspired Mo to rapidly start building Fancrowd's answer to ticketing for the comedy industry, made specifically for comedy show producers, transforming our market approach and deepening our engagement with all stakeholders. This adjustment not only refines our broader strategy but also sharpens our perspective on the entire comedy talent vertical.

By Day 29, we had the foundations of a comedy-specific ticketing platform packed with a punch. Inspired by game theory and Fancrowd's philosophy; rewarding humor, we designed features with the producer, comedian, venue and crowds in mind. Our solution transforms comedy shows by introducing new features like the Comedy Coffer and F Games, directly involving audiences in the success of comedians and venues, enhancing crowd engagement, and offering a new revenue model for the comics, all while simplifying logistics for producers making it a win-win-win for comedy everywhere. Now we just have to test it.

By Day 30, preparations for 'The 2nd Denton Laughs' were complete, the venue, stage, and comics, along with a revamped website tailored for the diverse stakeholders. The event on Day 35 wasn't just successful in drawing laughs and boosting sales; it represented a significant shift in embracing #ComedyTech among venues, comics, and audiences alike. Comics got paid in new ways while connecting with new audiences, the crowds got to do more than just laugh with their tickets, while the venue saw an uptick in sales for the week of the event. My engagement with over 200 individuals, 50+ comics, and numerous DFW venues, like Royal Yum's transformation from restaurant to a Denton comedy hotspot, showcased the community's eagerness for more comedy. This experience underscored Fancrowd's role in empowering producers, leading to a significant positive socio-economic impact across the comedy ecosystem.

As we look ahead, our app ties into this IRL space seamlessly, by introducing contests where anyone can earn their spotlight on a stage near them, amplifying the reach and impact of humor on a local level when amplified by technology. To build our producer platform in 17 days and launch our upcoming app, we're not just addressing issues within the comedy ecosystem; instead, we're transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection where laughter is the only social currency that matters, in being funny, and spotting funny.

Join Fancrowd to explore how we leverage #ComedyTech to build a better future for the entire comedy ecosystem. Whether you're here to discover, perform, or host, there's a spot on our stage for everyone. Start by visiting our website or sign up for early access to our app and see how you can be part of the revolution. 

FANCROWD #FreedomtoLaugh #ComedyTech #LaughwithPurpose #RewardingHumor #Comedy