Drop Dead Simple

Kevin Tofel, Web Worker Daily, is a fan of DropCard. In a posting earlier this month, he details how he was introduced to DropCard at the Mobilize conference earlier this month. "Towards the end of the event however, I witnessed “business card nirvana”. Andy Abramson and I were chatting about mobile technologies over drinks when all of sudden he whips out his BlackBerry to send a text message."

Kevin and Andy aren't the only ones. Fans are popping up all over the place. Baby Boomer Librarian likes it because he often misplaces business cards. Francine Hardaway of Earth911 likes the green aspect of eliminating paper and printing pollution. Earlier this month, Pat Phelan called DropCard "the business card killer." Thrillist also found DropCard enticing. "Business cards are an essential networking tool, but the phrase "Let me give you my card" is so hateful, uttering it ensures no one feels good doing business with you. De-shame your exchange, with DropCard."

We agree. All are great reasons to convert.

Steve Welch Live (& on Video)

Steve Welch spoke at IgnitePhilly on September 23, 2008.

Using FaceBook as one example, Steve discussed two trends in the startup market: 1) one can obtain dominance in a market more quickly and 2) the cost for dominance has gone way down. Building upon these trends, Steve outlined several key observations from the DreamIt program to help entrepreneurs move to the next level. Teams are more likely to succeed than individuals. Surrounding yourself with people with dissimilar people to yourself is important for innovation and evolution. Prove your assumptions early with as little capital as possible. And focus on businesses or services that create value.

To see Steve's presentation, click here.

You Can Trust Me

Anthillz relaunched itself yesterday with a renewed focus on trusted relationships. For those of you who attended Funding Day earlier in the month, Blake hinted at the upcoming change. Allen Stern of CenterNetworks quibbed, "It sounds like a great idea especially in this world of the "auto-friend" on most networks. But I wonder if that's what LinkedIn was supposed to be when it launched and eventually morphed over time."

Missed the Fun?

We added a new section to our website earlier this month-- including a page for each company and their Funding Day presentations. Enjoy!

Fresh Air & Sunshine

Allen Stern of CenterNetworks has found another selling point for SCVNGR, fresh air and exercise.

In his discussion of GPS Mission, a "mission" based adventure that utilizes the GPS function of mobile phones, Allen raves "what's great about both GPS Mission and SCVNGR is that the games are played outside... While the phones must be on to play the game, players are outside and away from the desk getting exercise, social interaction and sunlight."

We think they're fun, too!

SCVNGR in Boston

MHT (Massachusetts High Tech) and The Journal of New England Technology featured SCVNGR yesterday in a post highlighting its use in Boston and the surrounding idea. The article does a great job pointing out possible applications and revenue sources for the company-- in particular tourism, promotion of the arts and events as well as advertising.

Thanks for the shout out, Seth.

Drum Roll Please

It is with pleasure and pride that we introduced the eleven inaugural companies from the DreamIt program today to a full room of prominent investors, business leaders and select members of the press. The companies (Anthillz, Beanstockd, Dropcard, InterviewBest, PhrazIt, SCVNGR, Sleep.FM, SnackFeed, TapInko, Trendient and Vuzit) were simultaneously introduced by Allen Stern of CenterNetworks, who blogged live from the event, and TechCrunch, who introduced the companies in a featured story during the event.

All eleven presented to a packed room including prominent investors, business leaders and select members of the press. Among the audience were several prominent investors and business leaders including First Round Capital, Internet Capital Group, Safeguard Scientifics, NextStage Capital, Osage Investments, Vencore Capital, Ben Franklin Partners and area angel groups.

Capping off the three-month inaugural DreamIt program that began in May, the event opened the door to a wide range of scenarios for the young start-ups. “To have such a great turnout of business leaders and investors is a real testament to both the quality of the start ups as well as the depth of support from the community,” said Michael Levinson. “It is incredible to see each company present and realize how much progress they’ve made since the program began in May.” David Bookspan encouraged the community to do their part to help these fledgling ventures realize their full potential. “DreamIt Ventures is merely the fulcrum. It is up to you as investors, mentors and advisors to apply the pressure to lift them up."

Thanks to all who participated.

The Final Hours

We arrived early to meet Richard Miller, the production company and set up the room for Funding Day tomorrow and our last rehearsal today. It was great to see all the teams again and amazing to see the transformation that occurred not only with the space but, more importantly, with the companies over the three month program. It is clear to see that everyone has been working particularly hard over the two week “break” to polish their presentations, prototypes and products.

Can’t wait!