I figured last year’s Le Web 3 was going to be the quintessential startup event for Europe, but there is a new kid on the block which could vie for the crown. The Plugg Conference will focus on Web 2.0 and Mobile 2.0 startups on March 19th in Brussels. As well as a speaker programme [disclosure: I will be chairing some discussions] there will be a “Startup Rally” featuring tech start-ups looking for early-stage funding and press/blogger attention (entrants get a reduced conference rate). A selection of 20 start-ups with strong roots in Europe will be carefully picked by a jury. Registrations will be closed on Friday the 8th of February.
Just prior to Plugg will be LIFT in Geneva (Feb 6-8), which features a Venture Night at which TechCrunch France’s own Ouriel Ohayon will be on the judging panel. However, submissions are now closed for this, though you can see submitted companies here.
Reading through the LIFT venture pitches, it’s easy to see why the UK isn’t like the US in this space. Most of the proposals look more like wooly personal ideas than solid startups. Of course, it’s hard to know without seeing the pitches, and it might be great on the night, but I’ve just read so much pious waffle with no solid information - makes me want to weep. I wouldn’t allow most of these in the room …
Ivan, as one of the founders of a company on the LIFT venture night proposals list (i.e. I’m an author of the pious waffle
I can only say that most of the proposals won’t be let into the room since only 6 of the 45 ventures will be selected. Let’s at least give these guys a chance… As you mention, a real product can often be a lot better than the PR waffle used to describe it.
Regarding the number of startups presenting, I made this choice because I believe that having less startups put in a better position makes more sense than 30 startups with 3 minutes and everybody bored and not paying attention in the room.
So it’s gonna be 6 ventures, but they will have a real opportunity to make a difference: 10 minutes on stage (5 speaking, 5 discussing with the panel), 1 minute on national television for a pitch, an afternoon with coaches and the likes of Ouriel Ohayon or Pierre Chappaz to prepare the best possible pitch, an invitation to the speakers + team diner, and a ticket for the conference.
At LIFT we don’t do thing if we can’t do them well. I prefer to give 6 startups a real chance to meet big guys, get in the media, and showcase their stuff rather than compressing 30 pitches in 2 hours.
And the event is free to attend so I expect most startups to be in the room even if they do not present! I hope to see many entrepreneurs there
@Laurent - wow, I didnt realize there was so much more at stake than just a chance to pitch. Not sure if that was publicized previously - you could have received a flood of additional submissions if people knew this. Either way, top stuf. Other conferences should take note!