SeatGeek operates as a marketplace for live entertainment. It connects buyers and sellers of tickets for sports events, concerts, and comedy shows. By aggregating ticket listings from other markets and individual sellers, SeatGeek acts much like Kayak does for flights, providing users with a range of buying options and helping them find the best deals using features like Deal Score. This approach leverages the power of the marketplace model by enhancing the buying experience through extensive inventory and competitive pricing. Besides facilitating end-user transactions, SeatGeek also collaborates with teams and venues to provide enterprise software solutions, further integrating itself into the live entertainment ecosystem.

Initially, SeatGeek acted primarily through an affiliate model, where they pulled and aggregated ticket inventory from other marketplaces, redirecting users to purchase tickets. This model placed SeatGeek as a search and recommendation platform, earning through referral fees for driving ticket sales to these third-party sites. Although no longer the primary business model, this strategy was crucial in building the initial user base and acquiring inventory without directly holding tickets, which lowered risk but limited income potential.

SeatGeek does not directly apply a subscription or membership model to its primary functions as described in the sources provided. Their business revolves more around one-off purchases and transactions in both primary and secondary ticket markets rather than ongoing subscription fees for usage or service. If future product offerings involve a loyalty or membership scheme, it would potentially fall under this category.

While SeatGeek's primary function today is not lead generation, it does play a role in helping teams and venues connect with fans at various stages of interaction (buying tickets, attending events). Previously, as a metasearch engine model, its primary function was to generate leads for ticket sales on other platforms. Now, SeatGeek's comprehensive ecosystem maximizes data insights and fan engagement opportunities, potentially serving as a lead source for future sponsorships and venue interactions.