South by Southwest is the biggest stage for entrepreneurs, geeks, musicians and creative minds to link up. Littered with local bands, film producers, new tech breakthroughs and companies waiting for the chance of a lifetime to launch their dream into the next level of success. The energetic college town of Austin, Texas is at capacity from March 8-17 with some of the brightest minds in our country today.
The fifth annual SXSW Accelerator features 48 of the most promising tech companies by giving them the opportunity to feature their web companies in downtown Austin. The competition is tough, especially this year with 500 applicants. InfoActive from Chicago, IL allows the user to simply drop information into data driven stories. San Francisco, CA startup KooZoo allows lets you share and view live video streams from public locations. Ever have an issue finding a trusted expert to fix something in your house? West Hollywood, CA FixUp is a mobile application connecting people with experts billable by the minute.
Unfortunately, no startups from Arizona made the top 48. However, Cleavon J. Blair, founder and managing partner of Scottsdale based Blosme will be in attendance to discuss ethnic diversity in technology today. Blosme is a full service web products and consulting firm that specializes in web site development and experience.
The Startup Village is being held from March 8-12th and is a culmination of entrepreneurs and investors engaging and demonstrating some of the newest products and ideas ever seen. The ideal networking opportunity for everyone in the technology field. Spotlight companies offer demonstrations of new products to the audience. Additionally at the Village, any startup has the opportunity to apply to participate in the Interactive Accelerator for a $200 fee. If accepted the team will have 2 minutes to demonstrate in front of technology experts and investors. When they are selected to move passed the first round they are given 5 minutes to pitch. The winners receive gift bags, passes to next years conference, interview opportunities, and a lot of exposure.
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