KNOT Technologies Secures $1 Million Pre-Seed to Solve Ticketing Fraud with AI

KNOT Technologies, an online ticketing platform based in Egypt and the United Kingdom, has secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by A15. Founded in 2025 by Ahmed Abdalla and Hussein ElBendak, the company is developing an AI-native infrastructure to modernize how ticketing and access control operate. The startup is officially emerging from stealth mode as it prepares to scale its operations globally.

The platform aims to solve long-standing issues in the live events industry, including ticket fraud and revenue leakage into unregulated secondary markets. By using an AI layer to authenticate identity and manage distribution, KNOT allows organizers to track demand in real time. This system helps event owners restrict unauthorized transfers and maintain a transparent relationship with their attendees.

The founders bring experience from major global institutions, having previously held roles at Meta, Goldman Sachs, and Mubadala. Their research across Europe and the MENA region revealed that legacy ticketing systems often leave organizers blind to actual demand. These outdated systems often push fans toward unsafe resale channels where organizers have little to no control over pricing or data.

With over 50 enterprise customers already onboarded, KNOT is focusing on building a resilient technical architecture. CEO Ahmed Abdalla noted that ticketing has become a financial black hole where value is lost to unregulated channels. The startup intends to rebuild trust by providing businesses with modern tools that offer both visibility and control.

A15, the lead investor, views KNOT as a solution to a structural gap in a market dominated by incumbents built before the mobile and AI era. Karim Beshara, managing partner at A15, highlighted the team's novel approach to reshaping identity and trust in the sector. This investment aligns with A15’s history of backing category-defining digital infrastructure and fintech startups.

The new capital will be used to fuel product development, international expansion, and deeper integrations within the live events ecosystem. KNOT aims to become the underlying infrastructure layer that powers the next generation of global events. By prioritizing data-driven experiences, the company hopes to create a more secure and seamless environment for venues, organizers, and fans alike.