Today’s Startup Riot 2011 in Atlanta was definitely the best one yet. Now in its fourth year, this year’s event had a better venue (The Tabernacle), better internet access, better swag, and, most importantly, great startups. Here are a few quick thoughts on the event:
- Several startups focused on social proof by showing slides with logos of existing customers or prospects in their pipeline
- Most startups were looking to raise angel rounds of $250k – $500k
- Most startups were pre-revenue and a fair number were pre-product launch
- The table areas to meet the startups were packed throughout the day — a great sign that attendees were spending time with the companies
- 90% of the startups were from Atlanta but at least one was from South Carolina, Boston, Germany, and Australia
- One presenter said, when trying to build up the credibility of his management, that someone said his team was too good to do a startup (which is ridiculous to me)
Overall it was a great event. Well done Sanjay!
What else? What other thoughts did you have about Startup Riot 2011?
David Cummings on Startups 
So how many DC companies were in the mix?
Companies in the Hannon Hill offices represented well — Pardot, Clickscape, Rigor, and PlacePunch (Shotput Co).
that “too good” guy was an idiot. He’s also raised $269 million don’t ya know!
The tabernacle was an AWESOME venue. I explored backstage a bit after pitching. Great old place.