One of the things I’ve wanted to do since I started working on TechCrunch was to have a day for tech startups old and new to share real, hard-core knowledge about their experiences. So I’m delighted to announced that we’re going to do this on April 21st in an event we’ve dubbed “Geek ‘n Rolla” in a light-hearted homage to a certain movie which also pulls no punches.
We will shortly be announcing our speaker line-up, but rest assured the people presenting have been there and done that. This is as much an event for would-be entrepreneurs as it is for startups already ‘doing the business’. Despite the name it will not be a hard-core “geek/developer” event – but if you’re a developer who wants to learn how to do a startup, and learn about the highs and lows, the pitfalls and the stunning wins, then this is for you. If you are passionate about being disruptive and thinking big, this is also your event.
The day will include a series of panel discussions, interactive sessions, keynote presentations and, at the end a TechCrunch Pitch! competition, followed by an evening party. The event is designed to bring together startups, investors and key industry players for great networking, TechCrunch style.
Editorial enquiries about being on the speaker panels can be directed to me, Mike Butcher, European Editor, TechCrunch, contactable here.
You can buy early-bird tickets already here.
Venue:
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
66, Portland Place
London
W1B 1AD
Nearest Tube: Regents Park, Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus
Map
The venue/location for the networking party will be sent to registered attendees prior to the event.
Sponsorship
We have a few sponsorship opportunities and there will be a dedicated exhibition area available for companies to show off their products. If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the event, please contact Petra Johansson.
Update: Pre-Geek ‘n Rolla Pitch! Workshop
Geek ‘n Rolla will provide a small number of start up companies with the opportunity to pitch to investors and key industry people. These people are frequently being pitched to and often complain about the quality of the presentations they see.
If you need to brush up on those pitching skillz, sign up for the pre-event Pitch! workshop sponsored by UK Trade & Investment and supported by the British Libary and IP Centre.
Pitch! takes place on 7 April 2009 at the British Library where Julie Collins will cover all aspects of successful pitching, including preparation, delivery skills, overcoming nerves and networking the hell out of the opportunity.
To sign up, contact Petra Johansson via petra (at) twistedtree.co.uk.
Disclaimery bits
Only qualified startups may apply to participate in this workshop. Startups will be able to chose to join the morning session (10.00-13.00)or the afternoon session (14.00-17.00). A maximum of 2 participants per startup may attend. Please note that participation in the Pitch! workshop does not guarantee that your startup will be pitching at TechCrunch Pitch! on 21st April 2009. The TechCrunch editorial team reserves the right to select the pitching startups.