The January 2010 NY Tech Meetup Newsletter
January 22nd, 2010 · Comments
- Foreword
- NYTM Updates and News
- Events and Deadlines at a Glance
- Announcements Overview
- Activities and Announcements
- Community Highlights
- Special Thanks
- Stay in Touch
1. Foreword
Welcome to the first NY Tech Meetup Newsletter of 2010!
Curating this newsletter has been a richly rewarding experience and so I’d like to kick off this new year — and this new issue — by thanking each and every member of our community for the opportunity to give back in this small (but hopefully helpful) way.
Since Nate and I launched the newsletter last November, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience first-hand the collaboration, support, and encouragement that has become the hallmark of the NYC tech community. I’ve met more folks willing to share their experiences and help me grow as an entrepreneur than I could have reasonably hoped to.
Everyone from bright eyed entrepreneurs fresh from school to prominent investors representing leading [inter]national firms have come forward to offer advice and assistance to not just myself but anyone with a business idea and the drive to bring that idea to market. I am extremely grateful to be part of a city as supportive — and amply served by cupcake trucks — as this one.
Happy 2010!
Brandon Diamond
megathink.com
2. NYTM Updates and News
Social Media Week at the NYTM (and helping Haiti)
Scott Heiferman (founder of NY Tech Meetup & Meetup.com) is guest hosting February’s Meetup during Social Media Week. He’ll be featuring new tech which addresses both the importance and overhype of “Social Media.”
The RSVP price for the Feburary meetup will be $20, with all proceeds going to “Partners in Health” (http://www.standwithhaiti.org/).
Announcing news.nytm.org, our very own community news aggregator!
We’re proud to announce the launch of news.nytm.org, a website to promote the sharing and discussion of community news, events, and announcements throughout NYC.
Our hope is that news.nytm.org will help the broader community showcase the high quality products and events that give NYC a reputation for innovation and collaboration.
Check out the site at: http://news.nytm.org/
Follow updates on twitter at: @nytmnews
Kicking off the NYTM Student Group
The NYTM Student Group’s mission is to encourage the involvement of students and student leaders in the New York City tech community and thereby better educate and prepare tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. We hold a monthly social event for undergraduate students and recent graduates to mingle and exchange ideas. Current undergrads who participate can attend the Tech Meetup for free.
Our next event is before February 2nd Tech Meetup, from 5-6pm at The Cottage (16th St. & Irving – near Union Square). After the event we will head over to the NYTM as a group.
Questions and feedback (& mentors interested in sharing their experiences!), please contact Trevor Owens (trevor.owens@stern.nyu.edu)
Learn more at: http://nytm.org/student-group/
RSVP at: http://anyvite.com/ica4sve9wa
Looking for a job (or an awesome employee)?
The NYTM job board is a great place to grow your team or find a team to join. With several dozen listings from the NY tech community, jobs.nytm.org is a fantastic resource we’re proud to offer.
Visit: http://jobs.nytm.org/
Want to present at the February meetup?
If you’d like to present your company at the February NY Tech Meetup,
please post here:http://www.meetup.com/ny-tech/messages/boards/thread/8365952
Don’t forget to RSVP for our February Meetup!
Head over to our Meetup page to RSVP:
3. Events and Deadlines at a Glance
Have an event scheduled for next month? Email brandon.t.diamond@gmail.com with the details!
[E] Monday, January 25th
Mobile Monday (6:30 PM – 10:00 PM).
The DUMBO Loft (155 Water Street, NYC)
[D] Monday, February 22nd
The Wharton Alumni Business Plan Competition
Learn more: http://www.whartonny.com/bpc
[E] Saturday and Sunday, January 30 – 31st
Crisis Camp NYC– Technologists Helping Haiti Relief (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM / 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
New Work City (200 Varick St, Room 507B, NYC)
[E] Monday February 1st – 3rd
OnMedia NYC 2010 (all day)
Mandarin Oriental Hotel (80 Columbus Avenue & W 60th St)
[E] Tuesday, February 2nd
The NYTM Student Group (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
The Cottage (16th St. & Irving – near Union Square).
[D] Saturday, February 6th
NYClothingDrive (all day)
RSVP to donate your clothes at: http://www.NYClothingDrive.org
[D] Monday, February 15th
The Hive Awards Submission Deadline
Apply at: hiveawards.com
[D] Sunday, February 28th
SeedStart Summer 2010 Program
Learn more: http://www.nycseed.com/seedstart.html
[E] Wednesday, March 10th
Cross Media NYC (6:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Scholastic Theatre, 557 Broadway, New York, NY
4. Announcements Overview
See something you like? Each announcement is listed in detail in section 5.
(* – editor’s pick)
I. Announcing OnMedia NYC 2010! (*)
II. NYClothingDrive – Let Them Pick Up Your Clothes! (*)
III. Help Haiti Relief Efforts (*)
IV. The Hive Awards (*)
V. Build a Stronger America, The Entrepreneurs’ Movement
VI. The Wharton Alumni Business Plan Competition
VII. Cross Media Integration and Partnerships Discussion
VIII. Mobile Monday
IX. SeedStart Summer 2010 Program (*)
5. Activities and Announcements
Have an announcement? Email brandon.t.diamond@gmail.com with the details!
I. Announcing OnMedia NYC 2010!
NY Tech Meetup is excited to be participating as an Affiliate Partner of the fourth annual AlwaysOn “OnMedia NYC” Conference, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York, Feb. 1-3.
“OnMedia NYC” is one of the premier events of the year, for the Digital Media and Advertising Technology industries, focusing on the “Breakout” companies in the following categories — Advertising Networks and Exchanges, Analytics, Mobile and Location-Based Advertising, Social Media and Community Platforms, Digital Publishing, and Search.
This year’s “OnMedia NYC” Agenda features a “Who’s Who” of the Advertising, Media, and Publishing communities.
The AlwaysOn OnMedia 100 List Winners will also be honored at a special Cocktail Reception at “OnMedia NYC,” Feb. 2.
Friends of NY Tech Meetup may visit the link below to receive a Special 50% Discount on a full Registration to “OnMedia NYC,” or by contacting Marc Sternberg at marc@alwayson-network.com or 310-403-3330.
When: February 1st-3rd, 2010
Where: Mandarin Oriental HotelLearn more: http://alwayson.goingon.com/permalink/post/33604
Discount: [removed -- please see official mailing]
Contact: Marc Sternberg at marc@alwayson-network.com or 310-403-3330
II. NYClothingDrive – Let Them Pick Up Your Clothes!
In the same vein as last month’s TechiesGiveBack event, we hope that you will participate in the NYClothingDrive on February 6th. Organized by two active NYTM participants, NYClothingDrive will pick up your unused clothes and donate them to charity.
Learn more (and schedule a pick-up) at: http://www.NYClothingDrive.org
Follow us on Twitter: @NYClothingDrive
III. Help Haiti Relief Efforts
Crisis Camp is a gathering of technologists who come together to build platforms to assist with the releif efforts in Haiti. We need volunteers with and without programming skills: everyone is welcome to participate! Please RSVP and help to spread the word!
Ticket sales and sponsorships will go towards keeping the team well caffeinated and well fed!
When: Saturday (10-8) and Sunday (10-5)
Where: New Work City (nwcny.com), 200 Varick St, Room 507B, New York, NY 10014
Learn more at: http://crisiscommons.org/
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/543649069
IV. The Hive Awards
The Hive Awards is a brand new award show designed for “the unsung heroes of the internet.” That means all the coders, programmers, user experience designers, content strategists, information architects, planners and the like, the people who do much of the heavy lifting but rarely get any credit. It also means we give awards for sites and applications in different industry groups, so that a b-to-b insurance site is not competing with a site like mtv.com
Cost is $179 per entry, $29 for blogs and podcasts. The event is scheduled as part of SXSW Interactive.
When: Friday, March 12th at 8PM
Deadline: Call for Entries ends February 15th
Learn more at : http://www.hiveawards.com
Contact: info@hiveawards.com
V. Build a Stronger America, The Entrepreneurs’ Movement
According to a poll administered by the Kauffman Foundation in March of 2009, Americans think the government does little to encourage entrepreneurship, despite its importance; 72 percent of respondents say the government should do more to encourage individuals to start businesses. Almost half of respondents think the laws in America make it more difficult to start a business.
For this reason, the Kauffman Foundation is spearheading Build A Stronger America, The Entrepreneurs’ Movement to influence the dialog on the future of our country’s economy so that entrepreneurs and their specific needs are at the forefront of the policy decision-making process.
As an entrepreneur, YOU are the key to a sustained recovery – to grow the economy, to create jobs and to revitalize America. With your support, we can work together to Build a Stronger America.
Join the movement at: http://buildastrongeramerica.com
VI. The Wharton Alumni Business Plan Competition
The Wharton Alumni Business Plan Competition is now accepting applications for the 2010 competition. All early-stage ventures with at least one graduated Wharton alum on the team are welcome to apply.
The online application (http://www.quia.com/sv/364272.html) is due on January 29th and should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. Business plans and executive summaries are not due until February 22nd. The winner of the competition will be announced at the Wharton Club of New York’s Entrepreneurs’ Gala on April 29, 2010.
Learn more at: http://www.whartonny.com/bpc
Apply at: http://www.quia.com/sv/364272.html
Fan us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=217915879914
Contact: Mark Chou at mark.chou.wh09@wharton.upenn.edu
VII. Cross Media Integration and Partnerships Discussion
Cross Media NYC brings together leaders from all key media industries to discuss, demonstrate, and debate cross media integration and partnerships. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the different media sectors in order share information and find new opportunities.
We want the gaming people to meet the TV people, the publishing people to meet the web video people, and everyone to meet the advertising people but let’s be honest, in the end, it’s all about the money. Use Registration Code [removed -- please see official mailing] to get 15% off!
When: March 10, 2010 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Where: Scholastic Theatre, 557 Broadway, New York, NY
Learn more at: http://www.crossmedianyc.com
VIII. Mobile Monday
The very first Mobile Monday meeting will be on January 25 and will feature awesome apps created by local NYC and Brooklyn developers. Our presenters will dish about their companies, business models, and give full app explanations/demos.
This event is possible thanks to generous sponsorship from RRE.
The line-up:
- Hot Potato – Event sharing app for iPhone
- Sit or Squat – Public restroom locator
- Where Brooklyn App? – AR app with Brooklyn points of interest
- StyleCaster – Provides daily looks based on the weather
- BigMapple – Uses Twitter and Flickr to map NYC events
- BeerCloud – Ultimate beer lover app
- PegShot – Photo/video service to share what you’re doing with friends
- Guerilla Apps – Broken Parking Meters helps you find these free spots
- SpokesNYC – Bicycle routing app for city dwellers
When: Monday, January 25th. Doors at 6:30, event starts at 7pm.
Where: The DUMBO Loft, 155 Water Street, NYC
Learn more and RSVP at: http://momobkjan10.eventbrite.com/
IX. SeedStart Summer 2010 Program
SeedStart will offer promising teams the chance to build a technology product and launch a company with the assistance of seed investment capital, mentorship and other resources. Companies will be selected through a competitive application process and each company will receive a $20,000 investment.
Throughout the summer, companies will also receive mentorship from experienced New York City based venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, legal and business guidance, administrative help and technical assistance. At the end of the summer venture capitalists and angel investors will be invited to an Investor Day where each team will present their product and launch their company. SeedStart will run for 8 weeks beginning in June of 2010 and requires no fewer than two founders per team.
SeedStart is a joint effort among Contour Venture Partners, IA Ventures, NYC Seed, RRE Ventures and Polaris Venture Partners, and also includes Fish & Richardson, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Silicon Valley Bank.
Deadline: February 28, 2010
Learn more at: http://www.nycseed.com/seedstart.html
Contact: Owen Davis at owen@nycseed.com.
6. Community Highlights
This section will highlight the top posts on news.nytm.org (@nytmnews) in an attempt to provide coverage on some of the happening within the broader NYTM community.
1. Chatfe (www.chatfe.com) – Beta test Chatfe on Janurary 26th, from 8:30PM – 9:30PM
“Chatfe lets people have interesting voice conversations with strangers where they have something in common to talk about.”
- Details of each talker are private, so people opt-in to talk based on their true interest.
- We’re inviting the NYTM to participate in our testing so we can improve our web and phone-based design.
- Please RSVP at http://chatfe.eventbrite.com/ (first 100 testers get FREE PIZZA)
2. 10 Things Happening on NYC Tech Scene in ‘10 — via [news.nytm.org / "nahurst"]
http://www.slideshare.net/lockloct/icny-steele-10-things-ny-tech-2910218
3. Thoughts on Life and Innovation — via [news.nytm.org / Jacob Brody]
http://anwaraizer.tumblr.com/
4. Wakerupper (http://wakerupper.com/) — via [news.nytm.org / "EddieN"]
“Wakerupper is the web’s easiest telephone reminder tool. Schedule reminder calls on the web. It couldn’t be simpler.”
- Set a wake-up call at a specific time
- Remind yourself of important events
- Set reminders for tasks and follow-ups
7. Special Thanks
We’d like to extend our gratitude to the NY Tech Meetup official sponsors:
DFJ Gotham (http://www.dfjgotham.com/)
DFJ Gotham Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City focused primarily on investments in information technology startups based in the Northeast U.S. and Israel.
We partner with extraordinary teams of entrepreneurs to build strong and successful businesses that make a huge impact in their industries. We take pride in being an active partner, leveraging our experience, knowledge and relationships to provide substantial value to our portfolio companies.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (http://www.wsgr.com/)
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the premier legal advisor to technology and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the investment banks and venture capital firms that finance them. Over the past four decades, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has established its reputation by having an unmatched knowledge of its clients’ industries and deep and long-standing contacts throughout the technology sector.
8. Stay in Touch
Follow us on twitter at:
http://www.twitter.com/nytmVisit us on the web:
http://www.nytm.orgShare your news at:
http://news.nytm.orgRSVP for the next meetup:
http://www.meetup.com/ny-tech/calendar/12287601/Want to present at the next meetup? Post here:
http://www.meetup.com/ny-tech/messages/boards/thread/8365952Send your announcements for the newsletter to:
Brandon Diamond [brandon.t.diamond@gmail.com]
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