For this blog post I’m handing over the microphone to Peter Hall, a sophomore at Rhodes College. Thanks Peter for capturing the weekend in words.
–
Its 6:00pm on Friday, March 5th. The Tennessee Room at EmergeMemphis is crammed with innovative new ideas, enthusiasm, and an excitement to see what will materialize over the next 48 hours. Fifteen presenters were given 3 minutes to pitch their “million dollar idea.” Ideas ranged from a former-military personnel social networking site to a music website where you can locate regional artists. After a series of questions from the audience, everyone dispersed around the room to meet with the presenters of each idea. With a list of needs, the presenters hoped to acquire the necessary talents (marketing, programming, law, web design, etc) through the audience.
Before long, clusters of desks were arranged throughout the building and minds were budding with inspiration and eagerness; computers were set up, whiteboards were filled with notes, and Red Bull cans were everywhere. For the rest of the night and into Saturday and Sunday, teams were formed and core groups were established around each idea. Fifteen pitches turned into 8 startups: TippJar, TourneyCaddy, TheListofBands, OneSongConcerts, Romantic Playbook, One Day Pro, MyRepresentatives, ChronoComics. Websites, Twitter accounts, Facebook fan pages, and logos were fashioned and the attendees could see the end in sight with just a few hours left. Rendezvous BBQ, Finos, Ghost River, Red Bull, sodas, snacks, and hors d’oeuvre were available throughout the entire weekend to fuel the ambitious workers.
As the clock hit 6:00 on Sunday night there was a scramble to produce a final product with a PowerPoint. Back to the Tennessee room, this time with a larger audience (open to the public), the founders of LaunchMemphis introduced the final eight startups and gave them the floor to impress the audience. It was remarkable to see the passion for each idea just after a mere 48 hours. Each presenter took the floor and pitched their idea and what they produced in just 48 hours with reassurance and relief. Their ideas had finally materialized and all could see the teams’ hard work before their eyes. Everyone was especially helpful and encouraging to the future of the startups. With many more final pitches than the previous year, 48 Hour Launch created a wide spectrum of enticing and (hopefully) successful businesses.
A special thanks goes out to the sponsors: Center City Commission, Red Bull, Rendezvous, and Mouse Foundry Media. Thanks to everyone who attended. The LaunchMemphis team and I are looking forward to next year!
–
For information on running your own 48 Hour Launch head to www.48hourlaunch.org or contact the folks at LaunchMemphis (info@launchmemphis.com)
