Entrepreneurs to present their ideas, companies at Startup Weekend Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS – About 100 participants are expected at the eighth Startup Weekend Indianapolis where entrepreneurs will join forces to present their ideas, discoveries and potential startups during a 54-hour brainstorming and business-building event slated for Nov. 16-18 at the Speak Easy, 5255 N. Winthrop Ave.

Startup Weekend Indianapolis is part of the Kauffman Foundation Global Entrepreneurship Week. The program is part of a worldwide grassroots movement of entrepreneurs who are learning the basics to create startups and launch successful ventures.

"Startup Weekend is one of the most popular programs for entrepreneurs," said Denver Hutt, a member of the organizing committee and executive director of the Speak Easy. "Last year, there were more than 400 Startup Weekend events held in 100 countries."

The Speak Easy is a membership-based club for central Indiana entrepreneurs and startups and is a sponsor of Startup Weekend Indianapolis. Other sponsors include Roundpeg Inc., a marketing and Web design company, and Purdue Research Park, which is the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country.

"The goals of Startup Weekend include opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their startup ideas before their peers and form teams to further develop their concept and potentially start a company," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which manages the Purdue Research Park. "Everyone who participates will leave the event with a better understanding of how to navigate the creation of a startup."

Participants include developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing leaders, graphic artists and others who work together to create and develop innovative new products, projects and companies.

"The weekend brings together a diverse group of individuals, and it is a great opportunity to meet and network with other entrepreneurs and professionals," said Lorraine Ball, a member of the planning committee and owner of Roundpeg Inc. "We expect about a dozen startups to launch during the upcoming three-day event."

Previous Startup Weekend Indianapolis events have launched viable companies such as Pocket Tales, a company that turns reading books into an interactive game; ShoutNow Inc., an automated messaging system; StatsSquared Inc., a Twitter analytic tool; and Eat! Drink! Inc., a consumer-based restaurant-rating tool.

The 2011 winner, Awesome Controller!, developed and commercialized a technology that allows users to play retro video game systems with modern Bluetooth controllers.

Gold sponsors for the event include Ice Miller LLP; Rain King Ventures Inc.; SmallBox Inc.; K+A+A; Alerding, Castor, Hewitt LLP; and FarmersMarket.com. Silver sponsors include Indy Hub Inc., TechPoint Indianapolis and Right on Interactive.

Cost to participate is $80 and includes all meals. Students can receive discounted admission by contacting Ball at Lorraine@roundpeg.biz or by calling 317-569-1396.

To register or for more information about Indy Startup Weekend go to http://www.indianapolis.startupweekend.org

About Startup Weekend

Startup Weekend recruits a motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing leaders, graphic artists and more to a 54-hour event that builds communities, companies and projects. It is an opportunity to connect with other professionals, and perhaps find a co-founder to turn ideas into reality.

Media contacts:

Cynthia Sequin, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org

Lorraine Ball, 317-569-1396, Lorraine@roundpeg.biz