Entrepreneurial Activism

[Startup Digest] Summary: Twiistup 007

I’ve been listening to everyone’s feedback from the [Startup Digest] and one of the most asked request from our users was more information about the actual events we feature. I’m going to try doing these “[Startup Digest] Summaries” and give a bit more insight to the events I attend, anything interesting I come across, and sharing more of the detailed about the events we cover.

I’m here live-blogging and tweeting in Los Angeles for Twiistup 007 which is LA’s largest startup showcase known for their wild parties. I was excited to attend this event because I have been hearing a lot of things about the LA startup and investment scene recently, here is a recent tweet I saw:

Kind of depressing when you hear that 60 tech companies are filing for IPO’s in the Bay Area and only 3 in Southern California via @jeffcohn

Personally I think the LA startup scene is a very undervalued place. Yes its fragmented, yes the VC/Angel industry is tough here, and there are a whole host of factors which make it hard to start a company here. But people like @jaynol1 who is the founder of Column Five Media who are excited and passionate about the scene here makes me feel positive

My feedback so far on the Showoff side of the event are there are were way too many “social aggregator apps” that were picked to present. Next time get some variety and mixup the presenters based on what they are presenting.

UPDATE: So far the keynotes have rocked (especially Eric Ries’ talk) and the networking sessions is where its at. Already closed an advertiser deal and met a couple companies in the process of raising series-A. Good stuff and looking forward to this highly talked about after-party.

Pictures
http://www.laweekly.com/slideshow/view/29219824
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmsproductions/sets/72157623184051477/

Photo Credit: wmmarc

Photo Credit: wmmarc

Here are what some others thought (via twitter)

“#twiistup is interesting, a lot of innovative startups, I just wish one of them was about aggregating my social networks. ” – @JasonCampbell

Favorite startups at #Twiistup – @lunch_com, @nsyght, @ranker_com and @yourversion – check them out! – @EmilyJS3

RT @danmartell: I LOVE @ericries talk – he lays it down w/ great stories and solid tactics to avoid failing. #leanstartuptwiistup #

just want to say the blogger setup has been awesome at Twiistup – power, internet, round tables near the front = happy Danielle #twiistup – @DanielleMorrill

Congrats to @TheMan @jerpoop on another #Twiistup. Smart evolution from social media strokefest to focus on entrepreneurs. – @clintschaff

Theme of #twiistup : social aggregation & information overload. – @fritcher

whew hoo! #Twiistup was a hoot. some sweet tunes & very cool peeps. gonna pack it up now. ‘night – @biskeeee

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Here is the detailed event info:

Format:
Two day event: 1^st day is wildcard demo night and a reception party at night
2^nd day had a mix of keynotes, panels, and demos, with a huge party at the end

Speakers:
Richard Rosenblatt and Om Malik – The Evolution and ROI of content
Eric Ries – The Lean Startup
Lisa Stone and Bambi Francisco – Opprotunities and colleges facing women tech entrepreneurs
Dave McClure – Startup Metrics for Pirates
Paul Graham and Om Malik – Starting up fast and cheap
Peter Guber and Brian Solis – Online and offline, it’s still about telling and selling your story

Company Presentations:
Collecta, Geodelic, Lunch, Mingly, Nsyght, NutshellMail, Qlipso, Ranker, Rippol, YourVersion, and wildcard pick

Sponsors
Epic Advertising, Microsoft, HUGE, Text Link Ads, PeopleBrowsr, CentralDesktop, Corporate Counsel Group LLP, ClickBooth, Rubicon Project, TweetFind, TechZulu, Frosty Web Design, and Eventbrite