Zach Cohen didn’t initially aspire to launch a startup; he simply aimed to host a memorable party.
Several years back, Cohen and his brother were living in New York City. When the time came for his brother to relocate to Miami, they organized a modest going-away gathering.
However, something about that evening resonated deeply. The vibrant energy, the impressive turnout, and a growing realization that people craved more tailored and high-quality experiences beyond the standard bar scene and generic event listings sparked a new idea for Cohen.
This moment of inspiration paved the way for Contra, an innovative event platform that is rapidly gaining traction among creators, influencers, and brands.
Cohen remarked, “People wanted to be invited somewhere that felt intentional.”
He noted that following the pandemic, there was a strong desire for real-life reconnections, but with a focus on events that aligned with personal interests and community.
Originally from Boca Raton and Coral Gables, Cohen pursued his studies at the University of Florida. He built a career in New York, including a role at Goldman Sachs, while keeping a keen eye on developments back in Florida. Now, Miami has become the main hub for Contra.
“Miami is energetic, young, and growing fast,” Cohen highlighted.
“It’s outdoors, wellness-oriented, and social. People want to be at the events. They want to be part of something.”
Contra promotes a blend of event management and a curated guest community that operates on an invite-only basis. Within the first three months, over 5,700 applicants have sought access to the platform, with the average applicant boasting approximately 45,000 Instagram followers and accepted members closer to 70,000 on average.
Cohen describes Contra as “if Partyful collided with Raya,” featuring a select number of exclusive events, hosted by brands and creators that are presented to a trusted network.
This innovative platform provides brands with a solution to evade traditional PR methods, which often rely on cold invites and recycled email lists.
Cohen commented, “PR firms are tired of spending big money just to get the same group of people to show up. We flip that. Now they’re asking us how to get on the list.”
Popular brands already collaborating with Contra include Wilhelmina, Saint Spritz, Netflix, and even the arts initiative at the World Trade Center.
Every event on Contra offers tools extending beyond simple RSVPs, incorporating pre- and post-event messaging, curated guest metrics, and integrated photo galleries for effortless social sharing.
Currently, attending events on Contra is free. The platform’s monetization strategy will include premium tools for hosts and brands, such as influencer tracking, built-in production support, and integrated sponsorships.
Cohen envisions a future where access to Contra’s event community may come with a subscription, but he emphasizes the current focus on maintaining quality.
“This isn’t a volume game for us,” he asserted.
“It’s about the right people, the right energy, and building something that feels real.”
Cohen is not alone in this venture; he leads a dedicated team of six co-founders and advisors, many of whom have backgrounds in venture capital, consumer brands, and entertainment.
Together, they have successfully hosted over 25 events featuring more than 50 hosts.
Looking forward, Cohen expresses excitement about ensuring that Contra remains rooted in community engagement.
“We’re not here to gatekeep,” he emphasized.
“We just want people who genuinely want to be there, who want to meet others, and who care about what’s being built.”
image source from：refreshmiami
