Robert Reich began the New Tech Meetup announcing that the group has reached 2,534 members – and although not all were in attendance the event was standing room only. The night featured five presentations, a Q&A session with Brad Feld, and pop quizzes for prizes (Winning answer to “Define Web 3.0” was “Still in Business” as selected by the esteemed judging panel consisting of Feld).
Scott McDaniel of SurveyGizmo kicked off the presentations offering a preview of the beta version of iRate (name suggestions appreciated), a tool that allows conference attendees to keep track of the conference schedule and rate sessions they attend. The tool works on the iPhone as well as in most internet browsers, except IE. Meetup attendees were able to use the product live and vote on their favorite presenter of the night (TapTapCards holds the lead at 45%). The product was designed for and will go live at South by Southwest this year. The company, which is interested in beta testing at events prior to SXSW, is still undecided as to whether it will make the product a permanent addition to its offerings.
TapTap Cards (presented by Tim Hampton and Matt Matteson) offers the ability to send postcards from the iPhone. After downloading the free application, a user can select a picture from his iPhone and enter a message and the recipient’s address. After the user remits payment (handled by authorized.net), the postcard is printed at print shop in Fort Collins, and sent. Postcards will cost $1.99 each with options for discounts on bulk purchases. TapTap will be submitting the application to the app store this week. The company plans to add enhanced photo cropping abilities and some stock photos that users can select in the future.
SDP Engineering’s software takes specification for a structure – be it a cooling tower or a house – and generates all the necessary CAD drawings. According to Program Director Ryan Sullivan, the software can do in five minutes what it could take a person six to eight weeks to complete. The program must be customized to each application as the list of specifications changes. The company also has a Build Materials Script that will generate a materials list and required quantities from any CAD drawings, either generated through the company’s automated process or done manually. Sullivan noted that this material list can help companies evaluate how changing suppliers or materials could impact the overall cost of the project.
SpyderLynk (presented by Nicole Skogg and Jane McPherson) is working to bring better advertising tracking to non-internet advertising. This tracking is accomplished through adding track points called SnapTags– circular logos (see example at left)
with breaks in the enclosing circle– to posters and print advertising. Upon seeing the ad, consumers take a picture of the SnapTag using a camera phone and send it to SpyderLynk via text message or email. SpyderLynk then processes the image, compares it to a database, and generates the appropriate response to the consumer – which could be anything from entry into a sweepstakes or a reply with additional product information, depending on the campaign. Advertisers know exactly which ad the consumer responded to because each one has a different SnapTag code embedded (i.e. different breaks in the circle), enabling them to identify effective ad placement. SpyderLynk is looking for additional funding to enhance automation and improve accuracy of recognition (currently around 90%).
FitwiseTraining offers online videos of the proper way to perform exercises as demonstrated by experts. The company has a variety of sports specific programs from Youth Soccer (taught by ex-US national team member Marcello Balboa) to fitness for skiing. Downloads, which can be watched on a computer, iPhone, or iPod touch, cost $0.99 per exercise or $9.99 for a complete program. The company is looking for additional funding to expand its video library into physical therapy demonstrations and other sports like golf.
Upon completion of the company presentations, Feld took the stage to field questions from both Reich and the audience. A few highlights are found below:
- In response to how a company can capture the interest of investors in a short interaction: Feld noted that he is a “nerd” and needs to be able to connect with “what the company is doing and why” quickly. While he cited that metaphors can be helpful in explanations, he cautioned against buzzwords and overly broad or lofty statements of being “Google and Facebook and Twitter combined”.
- On how quickly he makes investment decisions: He can usually tell “no in 30 seconds” and whether he wants to spend more time with the company in 5 minutes.
- On what is needed for a company to achieve funding and success: “The company has to create real or perceived economic value” and “new ideas” are much more likely to make it than “the 17th follower.”
- Regarding what is needed for a strong entrepreneurial community: “The biggest driver is great people” especially if those people want to help. All other factors “are just fuel.”
- In keeping with a theme he highlighted in a recent blog post about getting involved in the Boulder entrepreneurial scene, or any scene for that matter, Feld noted: “Don’t underestimate the unintended consequences of just showing up.”
February 17th marks the first month of the Denver edition of the Boulder Denver New Tech Meetup planned for the third Tuesday of every month. The Boulder edition is held on the first Tuesday of every month and is designed to provide a time and place for technologists and entrepreneurs to showcase the new technology developing in the region. The event is sponsored by Silicon Flatirons, viawest, w3w3, and Holme Roberts & Owen. The next meeting will take place at the Wolf Law Building at CU on March 3rd at 6pm. If you seek to attend please register for the event here.
