Flux

Flux, founded in 2014 by Dartmouth graduates including Brett Harrison and Michael Saltzman, began as a mobile application for the New York City nightlife scene. The platform functioned as an on-demand concierge service, allowing users to discover and gain instant access to nightclubs, bars, and events, effectively bypassing lines and cover charges. The business model was based on a revenue-share agreement with venues, taking a 25% commission on sales facilitated through the app. Flux utilized a dynamic pricing algorithm to manage supply and demand for spots at various locations.

In June 2016, Flux was acquired by HOOCH, a members-only cocktail app, along with another nightlife app, Grotto. The acquisition aimed to integrate Flux's user base of over 20,000 members and its dynamic pricing technology into the HOOCH platform, expanding its presence in New York and the Hamptons. Prior to the acquisition, Flux had raised $500K in funding.

The founders identified a gap in the on-demand mobile services market, noticing that the events and nightlife industry had not been transformed by technology in the same way as transportation or food delivery. Co-founder Brett Harrison had a background in evaluating software companies, while Michael Saltzman had experience at a hedge fund. They assembled a team that included individuals with expertise in technology, nightlife, and hospitality to develop the platform.

Keywords: nightlife app, on-demand concierge, event access, dynamic pricing, mobile booking, New York nightlife, club access, bar reservations, mobile marketplace, event technology, hospitality tech, venue partnerships, digital ticketing, concert access, social event app, HOOCH acquisition, Brett Harrison, Michael Saltzman, nightlife technology, mobile concierge