2nd Start-up GiGse LaunchPad
The Start-up LaunchPad, organised for the last 5 years at EiG, and for the second time in 2013 at GiGse, features up to 5 start-ups that compete for the winning vote of the experts’ and investors’ panel and of the audience, comprised of top level gaming executives. The start-ups get selected in a submission process which saw 27 applications for the EiG LaunchPad and 15 applications of the GiGse LaunchPad in 2012.
GiGse LaunchPad intends to spotlight innovation at the intersection of gambling, social, mobile and other trends that might influence the future of gaming. To find out more about its history and background at the European iGaming Congress & Expo, click here.
The inaugural GiGse LaunchPad in 2012 was won by Use It Better – click here to read the press release and to find out more about the winner, the runner-ups and the judging panel that included representatives of Facebook, VentureBeat, Raine Group and Viant Group.
The submission process for GiGse 2013, taking place in San Francisco, CA, on April 23-25, 2013 is now open. If you are an entrepreneur planning to disrupt the gaming industry with your new idea and proposition, please get in touch. Fill out the submission form, available here and send it back to ewa.bakun@clarionevents.com.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 22, 2013.
GiGse Start-Up LaunchPad Rules
In establishing the rules for application for the EiG and GiGse LaunchPad, we ‘borrowed’ what we thought were the best ideas from a few technology associations and incubators, such as Seedcamp.
For starters, it's ok to break the rules. That's what entrepreneurship is about. Just so long as you don't break more than two of them.
1. More than just a concept. We are looking for companies that are beyond just the ‘concept phase’. There must be a demonstrable product and we will heavily favor those able to bring a technical as well as commercial team member to show the company is built on solid technology.
2. ‘Early Stage’ only. This is a LaunchPad… and as such we are looking for early stage companies. Ideally, we are looking at those at prototype stage or who’ve launched in the last few months, and so haven’t gained significant media/investment attention and also are not at the idea concept! Publicly traded or large, well-known private companies are not eligible (this rule cannot be broken!).
3. Ready to deploy capital. It is preferable but not required that the company or project must not have raised a large amount of money from institutional investors (small amounts from friends, family and mentors are ok, but the key word is 'small'). Also, this is not a forum for established companies seeking later stage capital or strategic exits (this rule cannot be broken!).
4. A company not a product. This is a stage for new companies and entrepreneurs to gain attention and investment; it is not for established companies to launch new products or even divisions (this rule cannot be broken!).
5. Totally committed. The fewer existing commitments you have, and the more you can do to prove you are determined to execute the better.
6. Solid core team. Your team should ideally consist of at least 2 people (ideally 2-10 people but no limit on the maximum number).
7. Scalable Solution. We are looking for entrepreneurs with a unique perspective that are looking to take a scalable business solution to the next level.
8. English Speaking. While we are looking for solutions and businesses that span the globe, GiGse is an English speaking conference, hence English proficiency is required.
The submission process for the GiGse LaunchPad
1. Please download, complete and submit the application form to ewa.bakun@clarionevents.com
2. You submission will be kept confidential and shared only with the LaunchPad moderator, Melissa Blau of iGaming Capital
3. Companies might then be contacted by Ewa Bakun for a telephone chat to explore their submission a little more, ensure you fit (most of) the rules highlighted above and get to know you a little more.
4. A shortlist of 6-4 companies will be selected. Finalists will be contacted by end of April 1, 2013 and notified they are successful, and those who don’t make the cut will be notified then too.
5. There will be 2 free passes allocated to the finalist companies, so they can make a solid pitch. If you wish to bring additional team members a discount can be negotiated off the entry price.
The prize for winning the GiGse LaunchPad is a small exhibition space at either EiG 2013 or GiGse 2014.
Best of luck to all! And we look forward to working with and helping achieve your dreams!
