Tech StartUps and Digital Advocates - 22nd July 2009

This newsletter covers:

1. Next Event: Tech StartUps and Digital Advocates - UMIC, Manchester on 22nd July
2. Membership: Help us sustain our services
3. Sponsor an Administrator - help us finance
4. Your Feedback - how else can we improve
5. Technology World 2009 - Showcase your company in front the world
6. Summer BBQ - need sponsor
7. Investment Readiness - need team members
8. Contact Details - in case you did not know
9. Our Partners - without them, we cannot deliver our services

1. Next Event: Tech StartUps and Digital Advocates

Programme: 22nd July 2009 - 6 to 9pm
Venue: UMIC, Grafton Street, Manchester

It became clear recently (at Futuresonic09 in May 09, Craig McGinty et al) that marketing agencies lacked knowledge about the innovative digital products launched by UK based tech companies, and especially those based in the North. Early stage tech companies lack commercial credibility necessary for securing large customers. Many have not explored the commercial opportunities presented through working with media agencies. This event intends to explore and build partnerships between the tech startups and digital media agencies.

Programme includes 2 sessions, each with four early stage technology companies pitching to a panel of 3 to 4 digital advocates. Through pitching (5 mins each), early stage companies will explain the value propositions both for the end client as well as for the digital advocates (sell to and sell through strategy). Digital advocates will grill each company (10 mins) to evaluate the potential benefits and commercial opportunities.

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/jul09

Current Needs:

- 3 more Panelists needed: Current Digital Advocates include Join Richard Gregory (COO of Latitude), Mike Perls (CEO of MC2) and Tom Cheesewright (Strategy Director of And Digital)
- 4 Pitching companies need: Current tech startups include phonefromhere.com and edocr.com (yes, I'm pitching this time)
- Sponsors

Costs for attendance:

- Members: £15+VAT
- Non Members: £30+VAT
- At door: £40

Costs for pitching:

- Members: £60+VAT
- Non Members: £80+VAT
Includes free entry for two employees including the presenter

2. Northern StartUp 2.0 Membership

Cost: £10+VAT per month and pay £15+VAT per event

NS20 was created to support startups across the north with an ecosystem of peers, investors, service providers and support organisations. With your support the group has grown significantly over the last two and a half years to over 1500 like minded individuals. We hope that you have found it valuable and will continue to do so by becoming a Member. In return for your membership we are offering a range of additional services and benefits:

- Service Discounts: e.g. Accountancy (2 startups signed up) from Horwath Clark Whitehill and legal services from Aaron & Partners
- Product Deals: free software for startups through Microsoft BizSpark Programme (4 startups signed up).
- Digital Content: coming soon
- Training and Workshops: coming soon
- Investment readiness: coming soon
- Corporate finance: coming soon

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/membership

3. Sponsor an Administrator

NS20 has evolved in to one of the key organisations promoting tech entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom. We now need a full time Administrator to help us deliver a consistent service. The revenues we collect from event attendance and odd sponsorsorship are hardly sufficient to cover our costs let alone pay a full-time employee. Therefore we have no choice but to seek new sponsorship towards financing our first employee. We believe we can recruit a young graduate for about £20,000. We are interested in hearing from organisations who might be interested in supporting this initiative fully or partially.

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/recruitment

4. Feedback

Nick Rhind has come on board to help us improve your on-line experience. Both Nick and I are very much interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve the website, and appreciate if you could add your thoughts at http://startup20.uservoice.com

5. Technology World 2009

Date: 23rd and 24th November 2009
Conference Site: http://www.technologyworld09.com/

We have negotiated with UKTI for ten stands at heavily discounted prices for our Members. edocr.com will be taking one stand. Stands must be secured before 1st September 2009

As one of the largest technology 'speed meeting' events in the UK, Technology World has helped over 500 buyers and sellers to do business each year. The event provides a highly effective platform for companies to identify and build new international business and partnership opportunities. It brings together UK and non-UK based companies from across the globe to do business via a 2 day, focused 'speed meeting' event.

+ Stand shell scheme (3X3), including name plate with 3 exhibitor passes. Full price: £800. Our price: £350
+ Pod, one of the three compartments, shared with two other businesses. Full price: £600. Our price: £200
+ Day Delegate, Full Price – 1 Day £100; 2 Day £170. Our price: 1 Day £60; 2 Day £80

As part of the partnership, edocr.com will provide a virtual exhibition (visit http://www.edocr.com/organisation and select Technology > Tech Events > TechnologyWorld09) where you could access marketing collateral of exhibitors before, during and after the conference.

6. Summer BBQ 2009

We need significant sponsorship for organising a Summer BBQ in August. This is a great opportunity for you to promote your company to 1500 technology entrepreneurs, investors and deal makers. Do get in touch if you could help us.

7. Investment Readiness

We are looking for two teams to provide investment readiness for early stage tech businesses. Let us know if you wish to know more about this, either as a tech startup interested in subscribing to this programme or joining to help tech startup improve their chances of investment

8. Contact Details

Email: Manoj Ranaweera
Mobile: +44 7769734491
Skype: ranaweeram
Twitter: @manojranaweera

Team:

+ Business Development - Phil Tapsell - TechVenture Solutions
+ Marketing - Tom Cheesewright - And Digital
+ Public Relations - Fiona Barker - BarkerPR
+ Website - Nick Rhind - CTI Support Network

9. Our Partners

Do contact if you wish to explore partnering with us either on annual or event basis.