UK-born mobile ticketing platform DICE is expanding into Canada, launching in Toronto today (October 19).

The move marks the company’s latest expansion in North America and follows DICE’s $65 million funding round led by MUSIC in August.

DICE, which claims to be “the world’s largest independent music ticketing platform”, says that “millions of fans” use its platform to discover and attend live events.

The company reports that over 55,000 artists and 10,000+ venues, festivals and promoters will use DICE to sell their tickets across 30 cities this year.

The DICE app locks tickets to ticketholders’ smartphones.

Today’s launch in Canada also follows Scotland, Liverpool, and Miami as newer regions for DICE, in addition to deals in Europe with venues like Alexandra Palace and recent renewals with Troxy, amongst others.

The launch in Canada sees DICE enter into exclusive deals with partners including Collective Concerts, Transmit Presents, The Garrison, Baby G, Not Dead Yet, Soluna, and Prepare the Ground.

Collective Concerts is one of Toronto’s largest independent concert promoters.

The company has worked with a roster of artists like Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Fleet Foxes, Slowdive, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Big Thief, Broken Social Scene, Faye Webster, and more

DICE has also appointed Dave Lock, Director of Venue & Promoter Partnerships, as its first Canadian hire.

Lock has over 15 years of experience working through the music industry in Toronto. The company says the Lock will be instrumental in navigating its growth.

DICE first arrived in North America in 2019, scaling into key markets across the US including New York City and Los Angeles.

“With our new partners, we can bring fans in Canada the shows they love with an easy, innovative, and transparent ticketing experience that was designed for them.”

Russ Tannen, DICE

“Toronto is the perfect stage for DICE’s Canadian debut,” said DICE President Russ Tannen.

“With our new partners, we can bring fans in Canada the shows they love with an easy, innovative, and transparent ticketing experience that was designed for them.”

Collective Concerts added: “Collective Concerts is excited to partner with DICE as they expand into the Canadian market. Their commitment to fans, tech-forward approach and love for independent music and culture made us an undeniable match.”

“After my introductory meeting with the DICE team, the first thing I thought was how much I wish we had DICE when I was going to shows in Toronto growing up.”

Dave Lock, DICE

Dave Lock, DICE’s Director of Venue & Promoter Partnerships in Canada said: “After my introductory meeting with the DICE team, the first thing I thought was how much I wish we had DICE when I was going to shows in Toronto growing up.”

Added Lock: “Their fan-first app and discovery features are game changers that almost every promoter and venue owner I’ve worked with over the past 15 years have been asking for.

“I’m thrilled to be leading DICE’s expansion into Canada and can’t wait to see how this transforms an industry that has been in desperate need of innovation.”Music Business Worldwide