KKR Invests in Indian Ticketing and Live Entertainment Platform BookMyShow

Investment firm KKR has signed a definitive agreement with Indian ticketing and live entertainment platform BookMyShow, under which funds managed by KKR will acquire a minority stake in the company. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Why it matters:

• The company’s live entertainment experiential division, BookMyShow Live, has brought artists including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Travis Scott, Guns N’Roses, Justin Bieber, U2, and Post Malone to India.

• The investment will help BookMyShow scale its live business and deepen its full-stack offering across India.

• The company says its next phase of growth will be “powered by rising discretionary spending, a large and young consumer base, and growing demand for world-class live experiences.”

Backstory:

• BookMyShow was founded in 2007, and is owned and operated by Bigtree Entertainment Pvt.

• Over the years it has evolved from a purely online ticketing platform for movies across 7,000-plus screens, to end-to-end management of live entertainment events.

• BookMyShow Live handles talent and IP acquisition, production, promotion, partnerships, and audience development.

What they said:

• Akshay Tanna, Partner and Head of India Private Equity at KKR: “BookMyShow has been a pioneer in delivering high-quality entertainment experiences in India. We are pleased to support BookMyShow as it continues to lead the next phase of growth in India’s out-of-home entertainment sector. We believe BookMyShow will play an important role in advancing India’s ambition to become a global entertainment hub and a premier destination for leading artists and acts from around the world.”