LaunchMemphis 2010 Spring Schedule
This is the LaunchMemphis Spring 2010 Schedule. We are excited to have another great season of events that promote innovation and entrepreneurial action. Get involved as often as possible and help us LaunchMemphis!
48 Hour Launch Pitch Night
Time and Date: Feb 25th, 5:30pm
Location: EmergeMemphis
RSVP Here via Facebook: http://bit.ly/c5pt0n
A chance to pitch your idea a week before the actual 48 Hour Launch weekend.
48 Hour Launch
Time and Date: March 5th, 6pm through March 7th, 6pm
Location: EmergeMemphis
Ticketing (note the Early Bird discounts): http://48hour.eventbrite.com/
48Hour Launch is one of the most powerful and unique entrepreneurship programs in the country. At 48 Hour Launch events creative individuals from all industries unite their talent in one location to launch new enterprises in a 48-hour period. The initiative, founded in 2009 in Tennessee, has attracted international attention, with many cities across North America planning on hosting 48 Hour Launch experiences in their cities.
Business Plan Boot Strapping Bootcamp
Time and Date: March 27th, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Location: EmergeMemphis
Ticketing (note the Early Bird discounts): http://bootcampmem.eventbrite.com/
We have retooled our Business Plan Bootcamp to have an even bigger impact — we’ll instruct you in an intense one-day seminar on how to get a business plan together and launched in 5 days at low or no cost. LaunchMemphis will teach you the skillful art of bootstrapping in the modern era. Get ready for jam-packed day with knowledge, information, and feedback.
3rd Annual Investment Forum
Time and Date: Targeting April 12th or 16th
Location: TBD
Application: TBD
Raising capital for a startup is one of the most challenging aspects of starting up a business. We hope to alleviate some of this pain through a venture forum where new and emerging businesses are brought together with early stage venture capital firms and angel investors. If you have a business in the pre-seed or early stage seed or angel stage, this is your chance to pitch investors. Alternatively, if you are an investor looking for up and coming companies in and around Memphis, we invite you to join the forum.
TribeCamp
Time and Date: April 24th, 8:00am-4pm
Location: TBD
Ticketing (note the Early Bird discounts): http://tribecamp.eventbrite.com/
TribeCamp is interactive and user-generated — it is like BarCamp and Social Camp in that it is an Unconference. Thanks to the internet, and the immediacy of modern communications, a tribe is no longer restricted by time or space. From a group of like minded people, a tribe of dedicated followers will emerge. Any group of dedicated individuals can join the cause from anywhere in the world. Tribes of the Mid-South and beyond are invited to join us in Memphis to learn from each other, have concentrated meetings of their with their tribal members or mix with other tribes. You’ll even learn about the tools that are enabling and empowering other tribes to get going. Whether you are part of a tribe or looking to learn as an objective observer this will be a unique experience guaranteed.
48 Hour Launch Reunion
Time and Date: June 24th, 5:30pm
Location: EmergeMemphis
Memphis Startup TV Launch
Time and Date: TBD
Location: TBD
A series of webisodes aimed at the entrepreneurial rock stars in Memphis. Produced in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Center City Commission.
IBM Small and Medium Enterprise Tool Kit…
LaunchMemphis is busy tying up loose ends at the end of the year and finalizing the schedule for 2010, however, we wanted to make you aware of a great set of resources from IBM.
“The SME Toolkit, brought to you by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and IBM is designed especially for Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American and Women-owned businesses with essential business tools. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, you can find the tools, content, resources, advice, mentoring and more to serve your needs.”
There are great links to a vast array of topics, including: Accounting & Finance, Marketing & Sales, and Business Planning, to name a few.
Please follow the link here.
We hope 2009 was a great year for you and that 2010 is even better!
Thanks for helping LaunchMemphis! We are truly grateful for all your support.
Escalator Pitch Competition on November 21st!
LaunchMemphis is pleased to present the first ever Escalator Pitch Competition on Saturday, November 21st with a prize package valued at over $10K!
What: The LaunchMemphis Escalator Pitch Competition is a new twist on the elevator pitch idea. Each finalist will ride up an escalator with a judge to deliver a brief and relevant pitch about their company. Eight contestants have already been selected via a contest on You Tube. Three additional walk-on contestants will be selected before the finals begin and anyone representing a company with 25 or fewer employees is eligible to compete! The grand prize winner will be selected by the judges once all 11 finalists have competed.
Where: Holiday Inn, University of Memphis, 3700 Central Avenue. The University of Memphis Holiday Inn has won the Torchbearer Award for seven consecutive years for excellence in customer satisfaction among Holiday Inns.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 11:00 am. To 12:30 pm. All contestants (both walk-on and those selected via the You Tube contest) should arrive for registration at 10:30 am sharp!
Cost: $20 Entry Fee for walk-on contestants – cash only. Those selected from You Tube Contest have already paid their fees. No advanced registration required for walk-on competition. Simply arrive at 10:30 am the day of the event to register.
Prize Package: Contestants will compete to win a $10,000 marketing package including a $1,000 cash prize. The prize package includes:
- Marketing Research from the Marketing & Research Counsel
- Logo/ Identity/ Print Design from Second to Nunn Design
- Web Design and Internet Marketing from Valeo Design & Marketing
- Public Relations from Obsidian Public Relations
- Marketing and/or Sales Coaching from RedRover Sales & Marketing
- Photography from Merrick Photography
- Event Planning Consultation from Main Events
- Cash prize compliments of LaunchMemphis and EmergeMemphis
Event Sponsors: EmergeMemphis (www.emergememphis.org), Holiday Inn (University of Memphis) ( http://www.memphis.com/
Keynote Speaker: Dan Marks, Chief Marketing Officer, First Horizon National Corporation/First Tennessee Bank
Questions: Contact Lynda Hobbs at 901.266.2662.
Fall 2009 Season of Entrepreneurship
This is the Fall 2009 Schedule for LaunchMemphis. In keeping with our goal to support entrepreneurial action in the Mid-South, we have a unique set of events planned – a combination you won’t get anywhere else. We hope you will join us in growing a rich community and building new business ventures.
This Fall Note that Global Entrepreneurship Week is November 16th through 22nd and we will have a series of concentrated events together with other entrepreneurship support organizations in our city.
Boot Camp: Build and Refine Your Business Plan
August 15th, 2009 and August 22nd, 2009
Location: EmergeMemphis
For more information: http://www.launchmemphis.com/2009/07/21/launchmemphis-bootcamp-august-15-22/
For registration: http://bootcamp2009.eventbrite.com/
The LaunchMemphis Boot Camp is an intense, two session course in entrepreneurship that will dramatically boost your chances of seeing your dream become a reality. Professionals will offer advice on all aspects of starting, successfully running, and gaining funding for your new venture. Join us at EmergeMemphis for two exciting days that will answer all your questions and put you on the right track for success in whatever business you are trying to start!
Startup Weekend Reunion
August 27th, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Tickets and Information: http://suwmem2reunion.eventbrite.com/
This is a chance for past participants of StartUp Weekend I & II to mix, mingle and hear updates on ideas generated during SUW. Expect updates from: The Roll Play, Mark’s Menus, Rezzie, GameWav Media, and CheezyWeezy. Others in the community are welcome to attend to learn more about Startup Weekend and get connected.
SocialCamp Memphis ( Tag: #SocialMEM )
Evening of September 18th and the day of September 19th, 2009
Location: Memphis Academy of Science and Engineerings
Information: http://www.socialcampmemphis.com/
Tickets: http://socialmem.eventbrite.com/
SocialDevCamp, like BarCamp, is an un-conference; An open format event where programmers, designers and business owners can network and learn. A SocialDevCamp conference is unlike any other technology conference. Rather than being planned by a committee in advance, each community works together to create its own event. A SocialDevCamp generally has an underlying theme, but the individual topics and sessions are organized shortly before or even at the event. This enables SocialDevCamp to be much more than targeted to the needs of the community.
Escalator Pitch Workshop
When: Saturday, 10/24, 9:30-12:00
Where: EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee Street
What: Training on how to develop a “Dynamic Escalator Pitch,” followed by development of your own pitch, role playing of that pitch with a small group, and one-on-one feedback from a member of the LaunchMemphis Board.
Cost: $25 per person (lunch included)
RSVP: Through http://pitchworkshop.eventbrite.com/ (note that seating is limited to 48 people).
Note: The workshop will focus on helping you craft a pitch to be used in attracting prospective customers which in many cases varies from the pitch you’d use to attract investors. LaunchMemphis will offer an Investor Pitch Workshop next season.
Sign up for the October 24 Escalator Pitch Workshop today, before it’s too late. Only 48 tickets will be sold! And with a price point of just $25 which includes lunch, you’ll want to act fast.
Escalator Pitch Competition
To enter the competition, simply create a 30-60 second video of your escalator pitch. Post it onto You Tube. Then register for the event by clicking on the following link, where you’ll be asked to provide the URL where you posted your video. The cost for entry is $20. Deadline is Friday November 6.
Click here to register today! http://escalatorpitch.eventbrite.com/
The competition is open to all businesses with fewer than 25 employees. There will be seven finalists selected from the YOU TUBE videos submitted. Also, three at-large finanlists will be chosen from those who walk in the day of the competition. Each finalist will ride up an escalator with a judge to deliver a brief and relevant pitch about their company. The winner will be chosen by the judges.
The $10K prize package includes consulting packages from area sales and marketing specialists, as outlined below, as well as $1000 cash!
* Marketing & Research Counsel – marketing research package (10 hours of consultation)
* Second to Nunn Design – logo/identity/print design package (10 hours of design work)
* Valeo Design & Marketing – web design and internet marketing package (10 hours of web design and/or internet marketing consultation)
* Obsidian Public Relations – public relations package (10 hours of PR consultation)
* RedRover Sales & Marketing – marketing and sales coaching package (10 hours of marketing consultation and/or sales training/coaching)
* Merrick Photography – photography package
* Main Events – event planning package (10 hours of event consultation)Nervous about competing? Here’s the entrepreneurial philosophy; whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you are absolutely right! So, take a risk and don’t miss this opportunity because you have too much to lose!Questions? Contact Lynda Hobbs at 901-266-2662.
BarCamp
Evening of November 13th and the day of November 14th, 2008
Location: Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering
Ticketing: http://barcampmemphis2.eventbrite.com/
BarCamp is an un-conference; An open format event where programmers, designers and business owners can network and learn. A BarCamp conference is unlike any other technology conference. Rather than being planned by a committee in advance, each community works together to create its own event. A BarCamp generally has an underlying theme, but the individual topics and sessions are organized shortly before or even at the event. This enables BarCamp to be much more than targeted to the needs of the community.
Global Entrepreneurship Week November 16-22 — LaunchMemphis has scheduled an exciting week of activities to celebrate entrepreneurship throughout the city with our sister organizations.
TechFuel: Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009
November 17th, 2009, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Inspired by other networking events occurring across the country like Tech Cocktail, the LaunchMemphis TechFuel is designed for technologists, entrepreneurs, media (bloggers), and other business professionals to meet, and share ideas in a fun and open atmosphere. The event is open to the public. With the LaunchMemphis TechFuel we hope to see the Memphis tech community better connected.
Core Conversations on Entrepreneurship
Event Date: November 20, 2009
Location: Folk’s Folly, 551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
Tickets: http://coreconversation.eventbrite.com/
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, The Society of Entrepreneurs and LaunchMemphis are hosting this exciting Networking Event. Reservations will be made to sit at a table based on interest and industry. Tables will be hosted by members of The Society of Entrepreneurs. Look for reservation information in your inbox or email info@launchmemphis.com.
Escalator Pitch Competition
When: Saturday, November 21, tentatively scheduled for 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, final time to be announced soon
What:Competition for a prize package worth $10K! Prize package made up of consulting packages from area sales and marketing specialists (e.g., market research, logo/identity design, web design, sales coaching, public relations, photography, media). $1K of the package will be awarded in cash.
Where:To be announced soon
Cost: $20 per person for walk-ons; those submitting You Tube videos would have already paid
RSVP: None needed; walk-ons will be asked to register when they arrive
Announcing the 2009 Escalator Pitch Competition
Announcing the 2009 Escalator Pitch Competition
LaunchMemphis is pleased to announce a new competition aimed at developing and perfecting your “escalator pitch” — a modern twist on the elevator pitch idea. Whether you already have a business or just have an idea for one, articulating your idea is key to gaining customers. Not only will this competition help strengthen your pitch and improve sales, but you’ll also have the chance to win a prize package valued at over $10K!To enter the competition, simply create a 30-60 second video of your escalator pitch. Post it onto You Tube. Then register for the event by clicking on the following link, where you’ll be asked to provide the URL where you posted your video. The cost for entry is $20.
Click here to register today! http://escalatorpitch.
The competition is open to all businesses with fewer than 25 employees. There will be seven finalists selected from the YOU TUBE videos submitted. Also, three at-large finanlists will be chosen from those who walk in the day of the competition. Each finalist will ride up an escalator with a judge to deliver a brief and relevant pitch about their company. The winner will be chosen by the judges.
The $10K prize package includes consulting packages from area sales and marketing specialists, as outlined below, as well as $1000 cash!
- Marketing & Research Counsel – marketing research package (10 hours of consultation)
- Second to Nunn Design – logo/identity/print design package (10 hours of design work)
- Valeo Design & Marketing – web design and internet marketing package (10 hours of web design and/or internet marketing consultation)
- Obsidian Public Relations – public relations package (10 hours of PR consultation)
- RedRover Sales & Marketing – marketing and sales coaching package (10 hours of marketing consultation and/or sales training/coaching)
- Merrick Photography – photography package
- Main Events – event planning package (10 hours of event consultation)
Nervous about competing? Here’s the entrepreneurial philosophy; whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you are absolutely right! So, take a risk and don’t miss this opportunity because you have too much to lose!
Questions? Contact Lynda Hobbs at 901-266-2662.
An Insider View of Bioscience Entrepreneurship: Successful Case Studies
A Panel Discussion
Moderator: Jan Bouten, Executive Director, TECWorks, A Memphis Bioworks Organization
Panel Participants:
· Bob Bean, President and CEO, Transnetyx
· Preston H. Dorsett, Ph.D., Executive in Residence, INNOVA
· Daryl Newman, CEO, CAGENIX
Thursday, October 8, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fogelman Executive Center, The University of Memphis
330 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152
$25 online registration – includes parking
$35 on-site registration
Space is limited. Register now at www.bioworksbusiness.com
SPONSORED BY: Adams Keegan
The Memphis Bioworks Business Association was created to advance the bioscience industry in the Memphis region through three core areas: education, professional networking and advocacy. The association will provide industry specific information and programs to increase knowledge and provide a platform for collaboration and communication between industry professionals.
Startup Weekend Memphis Reunion on Thursday August 27th
This past Thursday at the Startup Weekend Reunion, at EmergeMemphis downtown, five new enterprises presented the progress they’ve made in the first 3 months since Startup Weekend. Two of these businesses have managed to achieve revenue and all five were able to report on valuable lessons learned. Furthermore, at the reunion, several members of the group were recognized for their contributions to Startup Weekend.
The Roll Play allows users to collaborate in interactive storytelling. It was awarded the title Business Most Likely to Succeed.
Other distinctions from the night were awarded to Mark Dinstuhl, Caitlin Woodward and Kevin Yancy celebrating their enthusiasm and contributions to Startup Weekend and their respective teams.
Kevin Yancy, the founder of The Roll Play, who was recognized as the Participant of the Weekend stated, “The most inspiring thing about the Startup Weekend experience is the incredible pool of local talent.” Yancy credited his team’s successes to the relationships he formed with his fellow participants.
Beyond the recognition, many of these entrepreneurs used the Reunion to share their ideas and build publicity for their growing concerns.
Mark’s Menus provides a searchable online menu database for local restaurants. They outlined their use of Twitter and Facebook to promote their enterprise. On one occasion, a single tweet scored 43 hits to their website by offering free dinner to Twitter users who came to a tweetup.
CheezyWeezy, a photo-sharing site that allows users to upload and rate pictures of cute kids, discussed their plans for recruiting users at local festivals this fall, like Cooper-Young Fest, Germantown Arts Festival and the River Arts Festival. Nnaemeka “Meka” Egwuekwe of CheezyWeezy offered free advertising on CheezyWeezy to all Startup Weekend projects.
Kevin Yancy of The Roll Play has been using Startup Weekend participants and their families as boosters and beta testers. He noted that they will be introducing premium features in September with their 2.0 version. “It’s great to see families around the community come together and support one another’s entrepreneurship.”
Events like Startup Weekend are popping up all over Tennessee. Chattanooga will host a 48 Hour Launch in November, and Memphis will host a 48 Hour Launch in the spring. Interest in entrepreneurship continues to grow in the Mid-South and these events promise to bring phenomenal participants and teams together for collaboration – and, of course, cold Red Bull for participants also helps.
Fall 2009 Schedule of Events
This is the Fall 2009 Schedule for LaunchMemphis. In keeping with our goal to support entrepreneurial action in the Mid-South, we have a unique set of events planned – a combination you won’t get anywhere else. We hope you will join us in growing a rich community and building new business ventures.
This Fall Note that Global Entrepreneurship Week is November 16th through 22nd and we will have a series of concentrated events together with other entrepreneurship support organizations in our city.
Boot Camp: Build and Refine Your Business Plan
August 15th, 2009 and August 22nd, 2009
Location: EmergeMemphis
For more information: http://www.launchmemphis.com/2009/07/21/launchmemphis-bootcamp-august-15-22/
For registration: http://bootcamp2009.eventbrite.com/
The LaunchMemphis Boot Camp is an intense, two session course in entrepreneurship that will dramatically boost your chances of seeing your dream become a reality. Professionals will offer advice on all aspects of starting, successfully running, and gaining funding for your new venture. Join us at EmergeMemphis for two exciting days that will answer all your questions and put you on the right track for success in whatever business you are trying to start!
Startup Weekend Reunion
August 27th, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Tickets and Information: http://suwmem2reunion.eventbrite.com/
This is a chance for past participants of StartUp Weekend I & II to mix, mingle and hear updates on ideas generated during SUW. Expect updates from: The Roll Play, Mark’s Menus, Rezzie, GameWav Media, and CheezyWeezy. Others in the community are welcome to attend to learn more about Startup Weekend and get connected.
SocialCamp Memphis ( Tag: #SocialMEM )
Evening of September 18th and the day of September 19th, 2009
Location: Memphis Academy of Science and Engineerings
Information: http://www.socialcampmemphis.com/
Tickets: http://socialmem.eventbrite.com/
SocialDevCamp, like BarCamp, is an un-conference; An open format event where programmers, designers and business owners can network and learn. A SocialDevCamp conference is unlike any other technology conference. Rather than being planned by a committee in advance, each community works together to create its own event. A SocialDevCamp generally has an underlying theme, but the individual topics and sessions are organized shortly before or even at the event. This enables SocialDevCamp to be much more than targeted to the needs of the community.
Escalator Pitch Workshop
When: Saturday, 10/24, 9:30-12:00
Where: EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee Street
What: Training on how to develop a “Dynamic Escalator Pitch,” followed by development of your own pitch, role playing of that pitch with a small group, and one-on-one feedback from a member of the LaunchMemphis Board.
Cost: $25 per person (lunch included)
RSVP: Through http://pitchworkshop.
Note: The workshop will focus on helping you craft a pitch to be used in attracting prospective customers which in many cases varies from the pitch you’d use to attract investors. LaunchMemphis will offer an Investor Pitch Workshop next season.
Sign up for the October 24 Escalator Pitch Workshop today, before it’s too late. Only 48 tickets will be sold! And with a price point of just $25 which includes lunch, you’ll want to act fast.
You Tube Video Submission
When: Due 11/5
What: Those attending the Escalator Pitch Workshop will be encouraged to submit a video of their refined escalator pitch for consideration as a finalist in the Escalator Competition. Others may also participate, but those attending the workshop will no doubt have a leg up. 7 finalists will be selected and notified by 11/13 that they have been selected for the competition on 11/21.
Cost: $20 per submission
Note: Details on how to submit your You Tube video will be announced by October 24. Visit www.launchmemphis.com for details.
Tickets for entry into the Escalator Competition can be found here: http://escalatorpitch.
*Note: To be considered for the Escalator Pitch Competition, your company must have fewer than 25 employees.
BarCamp
Evening of November 13th and the day of November 14th, 2008
Location: Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering
Ticketing: http://barcampmemphis2.
BarCamp is an un-conference; An open format event where programmers, designers and business owners can network and learn. A BarCamp conference is unlike any other technology conference. Rather than being planned by a committee in advance, each community works together to create its own event. A BarCamp generally has an underlying theme, but the individual topics and sessions are organized shortly before or even at the event. This enables BarCamp to be much more than targeted to the needs of the community.
Global Entrepreneurship Week November 16-22 — LaunchMemphis has scheduled an exciting week of activities to celebrate entrepreneurship throughout the city with our sister organizations.
Core Conversations on Entrepreneurship
Event Date: November 20, 2009
Location: Folk’s Folly, 551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
Tickets: http://coreconv
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, The Society of Entrepreneurs and LaunchMemphis are hosting this exciting Networking Event. Reservations will be made to sit at a table based on interest and industry. Tables will be hosted by members of The Society of Entrepreneurs. Look for reservation information in your inbox or email info@launchmemphis.com.
Escalator Pitch Competition
When: Saturday, November 21, tentatively scheduled for 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, final time to be announced soon
What: Competition for a prize package worth $10K! Prize package made up of consulting packages from area sales and marketing specialists (e.g., market research, logo/identity design, web design, sales coaching, public relations, photography, media). $1K of the package will be awarded in cash.
Where: To be announced soon
Cost: $20 per person for walk-ons; those submitting You Tube videos would have already paid
RSVP: None needed; walk-ons will be asked to register when they arrive
Interested in what happened during our pasts “Seasons of Entrepreneurship” visit these blog posts:
- http://www.launchmemphis.com/2008/03/09/spring-2008-schedule/
- http://www.launchmemphis.com/2008/12/01/launchmemphis-fall-2008-schedule/
- http://www.launchmemphis.com/2009/02/23/spring-2009-schedule/
LaunchMemphis and Butler Snow Present: Business Plan BootCamp August 15th & 22nd
“Great job!!! Thanks for this fantastic opportunity; it came at a time when i really needed some direction and advice on how to proceed.” -past BootCamp participant
LaunchMemphis Business Plan Boot Camp
Sponsored by Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens and Cannada, PLLC
August 15th and 22nd, 2009
At EmergeMemphis
Tickets here: http://bootcamp2009.eventbrite.com/
For a new startup, the journey from an idea to a working, successful business is a confusing and dangerous one. Real, practical advice from objective outsiders can make all the difference in helping a fledgling venture reach its goal.
LaunchMemphis is hosting the Business Plan Boot Camp: a two session experience where entrepreneurs will be given the tools they need for success. Experts from several fields will be on hand with hard-earned, practical advice, while attendees can get tailored feedback on their business plans in several break-out sessions.
Topics will include:
- Business plan development
- Legal issues for entrepreneurs
- Marketing
- Financial considerations for entrepreneurs
- Gaining funding
- Finding investors
- Perfecting your pitch
LaunchMemphis’ goal is to foster entrepreneurial growth within the Memphis community. The group is non-profit and the cost of the BootCamp is $60 for two days filled with insight (and lunch and materials!).
The two sessions will take place on Saturday, August 15th and 22nd from 8:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the Mercury Launchpad located at:
EmergeMemphis, Suite 133
516 Tennessee Street
Memphis, TN 38103
For more information email Chris@LaunchMemphis.com or call (901) 628-4657.
Be sure to grab your ticket here: http://bootcamp2009.eventbrite.com/
SUW MEM 2.0 Update
Hi All,
I just wanted to give an update on the projects that came out of SUW Memphis 2. Again we had a great weekend with a lot of strong ideas coming out of the 48 hour event. Marks Menus pitched at the LaunchMemphis Investment forum and the roll play is really taking off. As a recap, we had 70 participants and we ended up with 5 projects. All projects are still progressing. Below is a summary of each idea and a recent update. Please get involved and join one or a few of these ideas. We are going to have our reunion on August 27th.
The Roll Play (www.therollplay.com) is a new web system to allow students, writers, and others to build stories collectively with other members by assuming the role of a character of their own making. The members in effect make a “rolling” play or even a debate. The site is up and running with new differentiating functionality coming out weekly.
The Roll Play is still progressing well. We have been live for 45 days and are up to 59 users. To date, 20 roll plays have been created, with the most active consisting of more than 200 posts.
59 Users
20 Stories
–
Marks Menus
Mister Menus changed to Marks Menus (www.marksmenus.com) is a site that allows a user to upload menus of their favorite restaurants and to rate menu items. This enables other users to search where to eat using criteria like dish ingredients and menu items. This way if you need to find the best vegan dishes in the city you can easily locate them and know where to go.
At this time, Mark’s Menus has 30 registered users and, this week, we got our first restaurant manager to enter their OWN menu on the site!
CheezyWeezy (www.CheezyWeezy.com), another project that built a beta launch product and business plan in 48 hours, encourages the world to “Take a Smile Break” by heading to their site to view and rate photos of cute kids. Grandparents unite and rate your grandchildren to the top!
We’ve completed our alpha testing and starting a private beta last week. Expect to see a public beta by the end of the week. After that, my team will be meeting on how best to market and get the word out.
Rezzie focused on designing an innovative business model for the real estate and print news industry. By providing previously unavailable data to consumers on agents and brokers on print news web sites, all parties can benefit with revenue and savings. This idea easily could provide large returns to investors and the team is moving forward with technical specs.
Interest declined after SUW and a few parties trotted the idea out to potential customers and there was interest but they wanted to see something. We’ve got a meeting scheduled Thursday evening at the Launchpad to discuss technical requirements and team members roles and responsibilities.
GameWavMedia focused on providing a new cross functional gaming platform to change the way games are designed, distributed and played. At the center of the idea is object oriented gaming independent of game functionality. Sound complicated — it is — but the idea has some merit, especially since the average age of a gamer is over 35.
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