Julia Hartz Embarks on New Journey After $500 Million Sale of Eventbrite

Julia Hartz Reflects on a New Chapter After Eventbrite Sale

Julia Hartz, the former CEO of Eventbrite, has recently concluded a significant chapter in her career by selling the ticketing platform for $500 million. Now, after over two decades in leadership roles, she faces the invigorating yet daunting task of redefining her professional journey. With a sense of newfound freedom, Hartz is diving into various hobbies and contemplating internships, marking a shift from her long-standing entrepreneurial identity.

Hartz reminisces, saying it feels like a postpartum experience, having not been without a job since she was 15. Reflecting on this transition, she states,

"I have a really deep passion for learning and starting from zero."

From MTV Intern to Eventbrite CEO

Twenty years ago, Hartz took a leap into entrepreneurship, leaving a promising career in television that included stints with MTV and FX. Co-founding Eventbrite with her two partners, she nurtured the platform into a key player in the events industry, facilitating tens of millions of ticket sales annually.

Her leadership journey involved overcoming significant challenges, including $350 million in funding, an IPO, the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ultimately, the sale to Bending Spoons.

Embracing New Opportunities

Post-sale, Hartz is exploring potential new paths.

"I’m fielding really interesting inbound opportunities, which I’m grateful for," she shares.
Her husband, Kevin Hartz, who is also a co-founder of Eventbrite, has already brainstormed multiple business ideas for them to pursue together. Meanwhile, Julia has taken on an advisory role with the Live Like Braun Foundation, focusing on raising awareness about impaired driving.

Alongside her professional ventures, she is indulging in personal hobbies like learning to play the piano, improving her golf skills, and even engaging in chess matches with a robot.

Experimenting with Technology and Learning

In addition to her recreational activities, Hartz is delving into new technologies, including AI tools that are revolutionizing the tech landscape. She is excited about this exploration, stating,

"I’ve spent just an inordinate amount of time working deeper with Claude code and OpenClaw."

Interestingly, Hartz is also keen on the idea of internships, a departure from her usual leadership roles. She believes that returning to a beginner’s position offers invaluable insights, and encourages senior professionals to consider similar experiences—a fresh perspective that she wishes to share with others.

A Legacy of Growth at Eventbrite

Under Hartz’s leadership, Eventbrite became synonymous with community events, distributing millions of tickets each year. When the company faced declining stock prices and operational challenges, strategic decisions were crucial. Ultimately, Hartz and her board determined that taking the company private would better serve its future.

"It was a hard decision to make...a small cap company like Eventbrite has a harder time gaining a dedicated investor base," Hartz explains as she reflects on the exiting process. She feels the industry needs agility, especially in challenging economic times, suggesting the pivot to a private model would alleviate investor pressures and enable long-term growth.

Hartz is grateful for her experience, viewing it not as an entitlement, but as a privileged opportunity to lead and innovate in the tech space.

"I’m so grateful that I got to lead a company that I helped create. It’s the honor of a lifetime."

As Julia Hartz embarks on this new journey, the excitement for what lies ahead seems palpable, promising to reshape her identity beyond being a founder—a true testament to her resilience and enduring passion for learning.

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Photo Attribution: Courtesy of Julia Hartz