International Startup Festival announces a call for startup pitches
International conference on the business of startups brings together investors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries for three days of learning, pitching, and networking.
Montreal, Canada, March 28, 2012—The organizers of the International Startup Festival announced a top-tier lineup for the festival, scheduled for July 13-15, which includes the likes of Dave McClure, Dan Bricklin, Chris Shipley, Sir Terry Mattews and Andy Nulman. In addition to keynotes, sessions, and workshops, Startupfest also unveiled a Call for Pitches, giving startups the opportunity to get in front of prominent investors, bloggers, and analysts from around the world.
“We’ve been crafting the curriculum with our advisors,” said Phillippe Telio, founder of Startup Festival and president of Embrase Business Consulting. “We’re thrilled at the caliber of speakers, and at the global reception for the festival. It’s an idea that’s definitely timely.”
The festival focuses on the business side of new ventures, from the first spark of a new idea to the last signature on an acquisition or term sheet. Attendees will learn invaluable lessons from battle-hardened entrepreneurs, and hear directly from some of the world’s most active investors what they’re looking for in growing companies.
“It’s no coincidence we’re holding Startup Festival in Montreal, sandwiched between a jazz festival and a comedy festival — startups are one part improv, one part tragedy, one part comedy. In fact, there’s a lot of similarities between startup entrepreneurs and standup comedians / jazz musicians — we’re all just making shit up as we go. Sometimes people laugh, sometimes people cry… and sometimes, when the stars align, Magic happens and you Change the World. That’s what Startup Festival is all about.” said Dave McClure, founding partner of 500 Startups and co-host of the festival.
The team members organizing the festival are all entrepreneurs in their own rights, with backgrounds running successful technology and startup events. They’re taking advantage of Montreal’s reputation as a festival city, and its unique position as a bridge between Europe and North American business, to explore and accelerate new companies.
In addition to three days of in-depth startup content, founders can pitch the audience, getting their companies visibility and connecting with partners and backers. The organizers announced a Call for Pitches as well as an Open Mic stage and an “Elevator pitch” contest. “We want to be sure that there are plenty of ways for exciting new companies to be seen and heard at the event,” said Telio.
New founders and growing startups looking for that edge should propose their pitches before May 15, 2012; tickets for the festival are now on sale.
About the event
Some background on the conference:
- The three-day festival happens July 13-15 in Montreal, Canada.
- While there are events scheduled throughout the city, the main conference happens in the spacious Gare Iberville, a historic pier in Montreal’s Old Port.
- It’s run in partnership with Guidewire Group, Real Ventures, 500Startups and Embrase.
- Attendees and speakers are coming from around the world to focus on the business side of startups. It brings together industry veterans and fresh faces, thought leaders and technology giants from around the world, for a series of lean, fast-paced events.
- The schedule includes startup launches, inspiring keynotes, and deep-dives into hot sectors like mobility, social networking, and gaming.
- Founders of the event: Philippe Telio, Alistair Croll, JS Cournoyer, Sylvain Carle and Larry Lisser
- Tickets are available at http://www.startupfestival.com
For additional information, or to arrange media passes for qualified publications, please contact Phil Telio (phil@startupfestival.com) at +1 (514) 909-9709.
