Three friends join forces to improve ticket-buying for cell phone users

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Using an innovative mobile phone technology, a new Calabasas-based business is working to change the way consumers buy tickets for concerts, airlines, sports activities and other events.

If the three friends who started Zippline, Inc. have their way, long waits and paper tickets will become things of the past, replaced by the simple push of a cell phone button. The wireless technology allows tickets to be electronically purchased, delivered and redeemed by mobile phone.

"There are way more types of applications for this technology," said Kristen Cramer, Zippline Operations officer. "I think it has good potential to be accepted."

Zippline, Inc. is the inspiration of Cramer, 27, a graduate of Calabasas High School, Jim Vinson, 26, an Oak Park High graduate, and James Dempsey, 32, of Studio City.

The trio met while earning their MBAs at Pepperdine University in Malibu. They graduated last April. Dempsey, who serves as the company’s CEO, first saw the technology while on a trip to Europe.

"They are very far ahead of us in terms of technology," Vinson said. "They don’t have the same kind of carrier oppression we have here. Slowly, some of the trends that are unfolding over there are coming here."

Dempsey recruited Cramer and Vinson during graduation activities at Pepperdine. Cramer was already planning an art-based business, and Vinson was working on other entrepreneurial interests. Dempsey asked them to put their plans on hold because he needed their expertise and support to get Zippline going.

"The power of the idea brought us in," Vinson said.

Cramer handles marketing and promotion; Vinson takes care of the technology aspects; and Dempsey handles sales and financial duties.

Zippline has partnered with an Israeli-based firm called RegiSoft, which is providing its World Trade Server, an existing mobile network infrastructure. The infrastructure allows suppliers, retailers and manufacturers to build and administer a personal communication system with customers.

Users register online by mobile device or telephone, and use a pin code to place orders. Immediately after billing is confirmed, tickets are delivered through a text messaging service readable by scanners at the event.

"People have more functions on their phones now and want to use them," Cramer said.

The technology will also help companies send users information about future events and discounts. Zippline is working on further expanding the technology to allow consumers to purchase other products or services through their mobile phones.

"The cell phone is slowly turning into a mobile identification card, an information and identification nexus," Cramer said. "Somewhere down the road we’ll all be carrying something resembling a cell phone, but it will do a lot more."

For more information, visit www.zippline.com.