Another Successful Investment Forum
The 2nd Annual LaunchMemphis Investment Forum was held June 19th at the FedEx Institute and attracted an impressively wide range of companies. We are proud to be able to refer to it now as an annual event, and we continue to be excited about the long-term viability of this event. Entrepreneurs brought their ideas and pitches to investors with companies ranging from concepts that were still in the early development stage to companies that have been in operation for several years. The event included representation from the retail, real estate, medical device and software industries.
Based on the feedback we have received to date, the event has once again exceeded the expectation of those that participated. Meetings are occurring with investors and the dialog that started at the event continues today. For some participants, the practice of pitching 7 times in 1.5 hours was challenging, educational, and life-changing. For others, it was a way to discover the areas that need work and to try out different pitches on an audience that asked challenging questions and pushed them to consider some interesting alternatives to their business models.
This year’s event was a more compact event, with a smaller seed track. We felt that most participants last year were just too exhausted at the end of the day to provide the feedback that the entrepreneurs deserved, and the changes we made were received well by those who participated. Whereas last year the number of companies in the seed track outnumbered venture companies 3 to 1, this year it was evenly split, with 7 companies in each track. While these numbers reflect the types of applications we received, they are also reflective of what we see as some maturation of some participants. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the ideas we are seeing in the area.
Like any event, there are always lessons learned and things that we can do better. Our two top priorities as we look to next year’s event are engaging a broader base of investors to help grow the event and improving the pitches of those companies that participate. We recognize that in some cases, the presenters had great ideas but still had some work to do to turn the great idea into a great business. We will continue working with entrepreneurs and investors to help these great ideas become great businesses that can help take our great city to new levels. We were once again reminded by all those that presented that no city has a monopoly on innovation, and Memphis is a place that has the talent to compete with any city in the country.
If you are an investor (angel or institutional), we want to hear from you — we need to work together to ensure that this event can become a showcase for the talent that is in Memphis and that is all too often unrecognized by the media and the investment community.
For those that participated or plan to participate next year, look for updates on upcoming events to really try to help anyone interested get better at pitching their company to investors, partners, and prospects. We realize this is an area of critical need for our budding entrepreneurial community, and we want to provide events and means to help everyone improve.
We also want to thank our sponsors for the event, Tennessee Technology Development Council, TECworks, and the FedEx Institute at the University of Memphis. We could not continue this event without their support and greatly appreciate all their efforts in making this event a success.
Second Annual LaunchMemphis Investment Forum
The Second Annual LaunchMemphis Investment Forum has been set for June 19th, 2009. As an institutional or angel investor, we invite you to join us from 8:00am to 12:30pm to take the time to ask good questions, provide feedback, participate in the event, and if interested pursue follow-up with the startups for potential investment.
Location
FedEx Institute of Technology
On the Campus of the University of Memphis
Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 Welcome / Coffee
8:30 – 9:45 Seed Track
9:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 11:00 Venture Track (Part I)
11:00 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 12:15 Venture Track (Part II)
12:15 – 12:30 Closing
Announcing the 2009 Investment Forum
Have a fledgling enterprise that needs an infusion of capital? Have an idea and just want feedback from experienced institutional and angel investors? Or, do you operate a company that is successful but needs capital to take the business to the next step?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then read on. The Second Annual LaunchMemphis Investment Forum has been set for June 19th, 2009. We’ve made a few changes for this year based on the feedback we received from everyone last year. We are excited about the event and look forward to seeing more great ideas this year.
Investors
If you are an institutional or angel investor, please contact us at forum@launchmemphis.com. We also welcome anyone that has experience running a company and that is willing to take the time to ask good questions, provide feedback, and participate in the event.
Entrepreneurs
If you are an entrepreneur, please review the following timeline:
- May 19th: Deadline for application
- May 31 - June 6: Notification of application decision
- June 15: Optional (but recommended) prep session
- June 19th: Investment Forum
The Investment Forum is an all-day event, and the schedule for the day is being finalized. The approximate schedule for the day is:
- Seed Forum: Morning (9am to 12pm)
- Lunch: Mid-Day (12pm to 1pm)
- Venture Forum: Afternoon (1pm to 3pm)
- Investor Panel: Late Afternoon (3pm to 4pm)
Applications can be submitted online. A major change this year is that we will be using AngelSoft.net to manage the application process. We believe that this will give entrepreneurs more control over the information that is communicated to investors, while making the required information more consistent and improving our ability to evaluate applicants. The application can be found at http://angelsoft.net/apply/launchmemphis
If you are unsure whether you should apply, please call or email us.
April 23rd . . . Count it down
Mark your calendars on April 23rd, 2009
for
Mastering the New Modes:
Insights and Innovations from the Blending Worlds of Technology, Marketing, and Culture
Featuring the World-Renowned Thought Leaders
Adrian Ho from Zeus Jones and C.C. Chapman from The Advanced Guard
LaunchMemphis and the Southern Growth Studio band together to bring an event like no other to Memphis. Two leaders from the world of innovation, interactive marketing, and user experience will give both a private workshop and a panel conversation that is open to the public.
Details
When: April 23rd
Where: Emerge Memphis, 516 Tennessee Street, Memphis, TN 38103
What: Both a Private Workshop and a Public Panel
Hashtag: #newmode
Private Workshop:
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Limited Seating, So Reserve Your Spot Now
http://modes.eventbrite.com
$150.00
Open Panel and Reception:
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Free and Open to the Public
Refreshment will be provided
About the Speakers
Adrian Ho, Founding Partner, Zeus Jones (Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area)
Adrian Ho is a founding partner at Zeus Jones. At Zeus Jones we believe actions speak louder than words, that modern brands are defined by what they do not what they say. We built our company around these beliefs. A company where strategy, creativity, design, digital expertise and user-experience flow directly into each other to solve business problems. Adrian was formerly director of strategic planning at Fallon in Minneapolis. Prior to that, Adrian worked at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and at Anderson & Lembke both in San Francisco. Adrian’s thinking has been recognized by the IPA and EFFIEs. He is a former AAAA account planning committee member and co-chair of the national planning awards program. Adrian is a regular speaker and writes about the evolution in brands and branding along with developments in technology at http://zeusjones.com/blog.
Web: http://www.zeusjones.com
Video: http://www.vimeo.com/384568
Blog: http://zeusjones.blogspot.com/
C.C. Chapman, Co-founder and Managing Partner, The Advanced Guard (Greater Boston Area)
C.C. Chapman is a new media maven and digital dad living in the Metro Boston area who loves public speaking and working with people to understand the future of media. He is the Co-Founder and a Managing Partner of The Advance Guard. Formed in October 2007, The Advance Guard is a new media consultancy that creates radical marketing programs using emerging technology and community platforms. With offices in New York and Boston, their clients include American Eagle Outfitters, Coca-Cola, HBO, Verizon FiOS, Warner Bros and St. Martin¹s Press.
Web: Advanced Guard: http://www.theadvanceguard.com/
Blog and Podcast: Managing the Gray Blog: http://www.managingthegray.com/
Whitepaper on New Facebook: http://www.theadvanceguard.com/about_face_white_paper/
Want to learn about the latest in Social Media?
Then you should attend SocialCamp Memphis . . .
Evening of March 6th and the day of March 7th, 2009
Location: Memphis College of Art, 1930 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
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.
LaunchMemphis 2009 BootCamp
Do You Think About Starting Your Own Business?
If you do, this Boot Camp is for You.
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. Register now!
Who’s invited?
Entrepreneurs at all levels. Start-ups and those who have been in business for a while and are looking to improve performance.
When:
- Session 1: Building Your Business Plan, Saturday, January 31, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Session 2: Enriching Your Business Plan, Saturday, February 7, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost:
- Session 1: Building Your Business Plan - $30 per person
- Session 2: Enriching Your Business Plan - $50 per person
- Both sessions - $60 per person
- Lunches included in fee
Where?
The Mercury Launchpad, located at: EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Topics Covered:
Refining your concept, Business plan development, Legal issues for entrepreneurs, Marketing, Financial considerations for entrepreneurs, Gaining funding and Finding investors.
Join us 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! Register now!
Boot Camp Agenda:
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Breakfast/Introductions………………………………………………………………….8:30am-9:00am
Assessing Your Competition and Refining Your Business Concept……9:00am-10:00am
Break for Tailored Feedback…………………………………………………………..10:00am-10:30am
Business Plan Development……………………………………………………………10:30am-12:00pm
Working Lunch on Refining Business Ideas with Tailored Feedback…12:00pm-1:00pm
Advanced Business Planning Session
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Breakfast/Introductions ……………………………………………………………….8:30am-9:00am
Legal/Patent Considerations………………………………………………………….9:00am-10:00am
Break for Tailored Feedback………………………………………………………….10:00am-10:30am
Traditional Sales and Marketing…………………………………………………….10:30am-11:15am
On-line Presence and Marketing……………………………………………………11:15am-12:00pm
Working Lunch on Refining Business Plan………………………………………12:00pm-1:00pm
Accounting/Finance……………………………………………………………………….1:00pm-2:00pm
Ramping Up……………………………………………………………………………………2:00pm-2:30pm
Looking for Investors………………………………………………………………………2:30pm-3:30pm
Presenters:
Chris Allen, Director of Marketing, Mercury Launchpad
Dave Barger, President, LunaWeb
Shelly J. Parkinson, CPA
Harry Brown, Attorney at Law
Marc Diaz, Co-Founder Mercury Technology Labs, LLC
Spencer Dillard, Spencer Dillard Consulting
Eric Mathews, Co-Founder Mercury Technology Labs, LLC
Lori Turner, founder of Red Rover, a Sales and Marketing Strategy Firm
Andrea Valenzuela, Independent Business Consultant
Join us 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! Register now!
BarCamp Memphis HUGE Success
First of all, a HUGE thanks to everyone who had anything to with making BarCamp Memphis the success it was. Attendees, presenters, volunteers, sponsors, and planners all came together to make BarCamp Memphis a truly great weekend.
The weekend began, staying true to our Memphis roots, at Ground Zero Blues Club in downtown Memphis. We met a lot of wonderful new faces, and found some pleasantly familiar ones there for some great mixing and meeting. The crowd was fun, the food was great, and it really set the mood for our Memphis-style tech conference.
Early the next morning, we were greeted at the Emerge Memphis building by a mountain of Red Bull and a slew of great presentations. Topics varied from Ruby on Rails programming, to RSS feeds. All of our speakers gave home-run presentations including LunaWeb’s Dave Barger demystifying LinkedIn and Mitch Canter teaching attendees to “Make WordPress Dance.” There were also some very passionate words exchanged during a great open conversation about Social Media privacy/etiquette.
Between all of that, and some great Memphis BBQ from Rendezvous, BarCamp Memphis was one of our best events yet with the Memphis community. Thanks again to absolutely everyone who made it possible!
Event Sponsors: Open Road Technologies, Small Business Chamber, MPACT Memphis, Red Bull, LunaWeb, and Rendezvous BBQ.
BarCamp Memphis 2008 — Be There, Share, Learn
LaunchMemphis and LunaWeb invite you to be a part of Barcamp Memphis, a user-generated conference where you share what they know and learn what they don’t about the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and technology. BarCamp is the conference that puts you in control. Hear about the latest tech and business tools by joining the conversation on November 8th. Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join.
Schedule:
Pre-event gathering on November 7th at 6pm (Location TBD)
BarCamp event day November 8th 9am-5pm at EmergeMemphis
BarCamp Memphis Theme:
Business and Technology in FLUX
In a constantly shifting environment, what do you do? Entreprenuers and businesses are constantly trying to walk the line between chaos and control , between the cutting edge and solid ground. Things are in FLUX. Now enter the world of technology; tried and true constants shift quickly and the market gives businesses and entreprenuers a choice: change or fail. BarCamp Memphis is designed to explore the awesome questions that affect you. Maybe you will find solid ground amidst shifting paradigms!
Potential Example Topics:
Forget Rails; its GRails time!
Crowd Clout
The World Without a Browser
Digital Lifestyle Lubricants
LeftOut on LinkedIn - Mystery of the Universe #9
Register for BarCamp here: http://memphisbarcamp.eventbrite.com/
For more info visit: www.barcampmemphis.com
Sarah Lacy Brings UGBT to Memphis
Last night’s TechFuel event with Sarah Lacy was one to remember! The latest stop on Sarah’s User Generated Book Tour, which brought her back to her hometown, started at 5:00 at the EmergeMemphis building downtown and didn’t end until the last of the crowd dispersed at 10:00.
After some initial meet-and-greet time, the evening started off with some quality time with the internet celebrity. Sarah spent about 20 minutes talking about her experience in Silicon Valley, sharing moments from her book, Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0, and answering questions from an eager assembly. After that… the party started.
The group dispersed to the next room over to mingle over drinks and food, while Sarah signed books and gave advice to some very eager Memphis Entrepreneurs. For 3 straight hours, with the support a single Heineken, Sarah spoke to every single person who approached her at the event. Some of these conversations were simply humorous anecdotes of Silicon Valley personalities, while others were filled with unflinchingly delivered, hard, straight-shooting advice to entrepreneurs who willingly took the kind-hearted criticism she delivered.
The next LaunchMemphis event will be with PR guru Geoff Livingston at the Quetzal coffee shop on Monday the 22nd from 7-9 p.m. Geoff is the author of Now is Gone and high-profile blog writer. Join the Facebook event for more details!
LaunchMemphis Inaugural Boot Camp
On Saturday, June 14th, LaunchMemphis held its inaugural Boot Camp for entrepreneurs. Nearly 20 passionate entrepreneurs attended the day-long event held at EmergeMemphis. They saw presentations on various areas of starting a business such as: Business Plan Development, Marketing, Technology in Small Business, Finance/Accounting, Legal Considerations When Starting a Business, and Moving Forward.
An extended lunch provided an opportunity for attendees to meet with presenters and gain valuable feedback on their business ideas. Participant response for this “fantastic opportunity” was great and ranged from calling the $25 registration fee a “steal” to unanimous agreement that they would definately recommend the LaunchMemphis Boot Camp to other entrepreneurs.
Currently there are plans to hold another boot camp in 4-6 months, but no final date has been selected yet. Please stay tuned to this space or contact Chris Allen at chris@mercurylaunchpad.com for more information.
LaunchMemphis would like to thank all the presenters:
- Andrea Valenzuela (Business Plan Development)
- Lori Turner (Marketing)
- Sridhar Sunkara (Technology in Small Business)
- Jason Brink (Finance/Accounting)
- Harry Brown (Legal)
- Eric Mathews (Moving Forward)
as well as the attendees for making this event such a success! .
Finally, to show our commitment to the entrepreneurial community here in Memphis, LaunchMemphis is providing all the presentations, free of charge, via download (5.32 mb .rar).
