Wakeup Startup is a monthly event held at the OSU Technology Commercialization Office in the South Campus Gateway, where three startups pitch their business concepts in 10 minutes or less, a panel of judges provide feedback, and the audience engages with a rapid-fire Q&A session. The event kicks off at the early hour of 7:30 a.m., but with the assistance of coffee, donuts and a speedy presentation format, you’re quickly brought to an alert status.
Launched last October, the July 2012 edition of Wakeup Startup marked the 10th installation of the series, which has quickly grown in popularity. More than 100 people were in attendance, and the crowd was made up of startup founders, investors, mentors, students, media and more.
The event was hosted by Mike Figliuolo, whose mix of industry knowledge and offbeat quips kept everyone entertained and engaged. The hour-long event flew by, and while this could easily be extended into a half day meeting of the minds, the short format leaves you energized and ready to begin your own day.
The three businesses to pitch at this month’s event included:
- • BizWatch – An online advertising, SEO and analytics platform.
- • ZoopShop – A platform for integrating online stores into social media.
- • inmobly – A mobile content delivery platform that uses prediction technology.
Additional speakers provided quick updates on local entrepreneurial support programs, including Bad Girl Ventures, Local Food Systems, and Startup Weekend.
More information can be found online at WakeupStartup.com. To RSVP for the next Wakeup Startup, visit wakeupstartup.eventbrite.com.