Meet Kwaku Otchere | Founder of Vipass

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kwaku Otchere and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kwaku, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always believed that connection is everything. Growing up in Ghana, I learned early on that relationships, conversations, and shared experiences shape the way we see the world. My father encouraged curiosity—he taught me that understanding people starts with listening, asking the right questions, and valuing every interaction. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career, from working in corporate environments to building my own company. No matter how advanced technology becomes, its true value comes from how it brings people together.

When I started Vipass, I wasn’t just thinking about ticketing. I was thinking about how people engage with live events and how those experiences could be more meaningful. Too often, the industry focuses on transactions, but events are so much more than that. They create moments that last—moments that build relationships, inspire new ideas, and bring communities together. I wanted to build something that didn’t just get people through the door but made every part of the experience feel connected and personal.

From working at companies like Apple and Disney, I learned that the best technology serves human needs first. Events should be the same. They aren’t just about attendance. They’re about the energy in the room, the shared excitement, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. If technology can enhance those moments instead of just facilitating them, then it’s doing something truly valuable.

For me, connection is what gives my work meaning. Whether I’m leading teams, designing products, or scaling Vipass, I always ask: How does this bring people closer? I’m not just building a company—I’m building a way for people to experience life together in a way that feels real.

What should our readers know about your business?
Vipass is redefining live events by using data-driven insights and interactive technology to turn ticketing into an immersive experience. Traditional ticketing platforms focus solely on transactions, but Vipass continuously engages attendees before, during, and after an event. By analyzing audience behavior and leveraging AI-powered personalization, the platform creates meaningful connections between event-goers and organizers.

The app ties tickets to verified users, ensuring security and eliminating fraud. This guarantees that attendees have a seamless and trusted experience from the moment they purchase their tickets. Vipass also personalizes event recommendations and updates, delivering exclusive content and relevant information that enhances the overall experience. Users receive tailored notifications, artist previews, and other curated features based on their interests, keeping them engaged before they even arrive.

During events, Vipass transforms engagement with real-time interactive elements. Live data helps organizers connect with attendees through dynamic content, interactive maps, and event updates that ensure people don’t just attend—they actively participate. The experience doesn’t end when the event is over. Vipass continues engagement through follow-up content, event recaps, and social connectivity tools, allowing attendees to stay connected with the community and organizers.

By analyzing audience interactions, Vipass helps promoters optimize experiences and maximize attendance. The platform provides insights that enable organizers to make data-backed decisions, leading to better event planning and increased revenue opportunities. Vipass isn’t just about ticketing—it’s about creating a dynamic ecosystem where every moment of an event feels intentional, engaging, and personal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want them to experience the real LA—the spaces that shaped me, the hidden gems that fuel creativity, and the spots where the real work gets done. We’d skip Hollywood Boulevard and head straight to the backlot energy of Hollywood Center Studios or somewhere like ShadowMachine in Atwater, where some of the most interesting indie animation happens. That’s the LA people don’t see—the places where people grind to bring ideas to life.

For breakfast, we’d hit Destroyer in Culver City—small, experimental, and the kind of food that makes you rethink breakfast entirely. Then, we’d head over to the Academy Film Archive in Hollywood. Most people don’t realize the Academy does free screenings of deep-cut classics and lost reels—sometimes you’ll even see an early cut of a film before it’s restored. It’s a real nod to the history of cinema without the tourist fluff.

If it’s a Thursday, we’d slide into the back of a post-production house—somewhere like Light Iron, where you can see colorists working their magic on upcoming films. There’s an art to it that most people never get to witness. After that, we’d stop by CineFile Video in Santa Monica, one of the last real video rental stores standing. It’s where the industry’s deep cuts live, the ones streaming platforms will never carry.

For food, it’s all about context. If we’re in Mid-City, I’m taking them to Mizlala for some fire Mediterranean. If it’s late night and we’re in K-Town, it’s Sun Nong Dan for that galbi jjim that hits different at 2 a.m. If we’re near Highland Park, it’s a stop at Gold Line, the record-bar owned by the guys behind Stones Throw Records. You sip something smooth while flipping through vinyl crates—just good music and good energy, no gimmicks.

At some point, I’d take them to the Blue Whale (if it were still around—RIP), where some of the best jazz musicians in the world used to drop in for unannounced sets. Since that’s gone, maybe it’s ETA in Highland Park, where the music curation is next level, or catching an unannounced jam session at Sam First near LAX—one of the best hidden jazz spots in the city.

To wrap it all up, we’d spend a quiet night at the Barnsdall Art Park, looking out over the city with a bottle of something good. LA isn’t about the tourist traps. It’s about the spaces where the real work, the real conversations, and the real creativity happen. That’s what I’d want them to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one person who deserves a shoutout, it’s my brother, Kwabena. From the very beginning, he’s been more than just family—he’s been my sounding board, my toughest critic, and my biggest supporter. We’ve built something together that’s more than just a company. It’s a reflection of everything we’ve learned from each other over the years—how to push through challenges, how to stay focused when things get tough, and how to trust in the vision even when no one else sees it yet.

Kwabena has this relentless drive that keeps everything moving forward. When I start dreaming up ideas, he’s the one making sure they get executed. When the road gets tough, he’s the one bringing the energy back into the room. There’s no one I’d rather build with, and no one who deserves more recognition for the work we’re doing.

Success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about the people who challenge you, push you, and believe in you when you need it most. For me, that’s always been Kwabena.

Website: https://vipass.app/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vipass_app?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwakuotchere/

Twitter: https://x.com/vipass_app?s=11&t=psAHVlrojwEkBiSJ6FAwdw