Browse > Home / Archive for November 2008

Entrepreneur Spotlight - TourTechSupport

November 30, 2008

We will occasionally run short write-ups on local early stage entrepreneurs.  This week a profile on AllenCook’s company TourTechSupport.  Born by addressing a need, TourTechSupport provides IT services to the touring and entertainment industry.

This post is also featured on LinkingRaleighNC.com.

TourTechSupport provides high quality Information Technology support services to the touring and entertainment industries.  They offer a wide variety of wired and wireless networking solutions as well as state-of-the-art VoIP (Voice over IP) solutions.  TourTechSupport was founded by corporate IT and concert touring professionals to help productions and their staff get business done.
Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, TourTechSupport was incorporated in 2007 after several years of product development and field testing.  The systems designs are the result of practical application in the industries they serve.  With equipment staging centers in Raleigh, New York, Los Angeles and Birmingham, UK they can expedite the delivery of equipment and allow provide service on short notice.

In late 2003 founder Allen Cook was approached by a production manager whose computer had been compromised by someone on his tour.  Although, harmless in intention, that attack was the impetus for the creation of TourTechSupport, an IT solution provider for the entertainment industry.  Since most tours at that time were using single, open networks, the simple solution to that problem was to create separate, secure networks for staff, crew and talent.  In 2004 TourTechSupport deployed its first wireless networking system on Phil Collins’ First Final Farewell Tour of the United States.

For the Eastern European leg of that same tour in 2005, TourTechSupport developed and deployed its first IP based phone system with integrated secure wireless access.  The systems were rugged and functioned well in some of the most obscure countries throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East.  The concept had proven itself and  tours began looking to support more lines and multiple offices.

TourTechSupport launched its first IP PBX system on the Genesis Turn It On Again tour in 2007.  The tour carried two 12 line systems through Europe and the United States.  One was being set up while the other was in use and since the same numbers rang phones in either system, users did not have to keep track of which system they were on.  Although an outward success, stringent requirements such as static IP addresses and the fragile nature of the hardware failed to meet the quality and use standards set by previous TourTechSupport designs.

A total redesign of the IP PBX model resulted in the V series Communication Hubs flower river that are currently in use.  They eliminated the requirement for static IPs, a requirement many venues are reluctant to meet, and selected new phones that boot quickly and are easy to use.  They also developed packaging options to tailor the systems to the tours using them, taking into consideration the amount of truck and office space the systems would occupy.

As we head into 2009 TourTechSupport is looking to expand beyond touring and special events.  New products are being field tested that will broaden the appeal with the current client base and help reach into new markets. Please visit TourTechSupport at www.tourtechsupport.com

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Profiles, Startups |  

Startups are fun!

November 29, 2008

For some fun on the weekend…

I just discovered this little on-line comic strip called Startup Comix.   Its good fun, and sometimes we need that.

I admit, some of them didn’t make sense, or maybe I am not twisted enough.   I think they are created by a guy named Kevin Owocki.  It doesn’t spell it out, but he seems to reply to the comments.

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

Entrepreneur Spotlight - www.mgecom.com

November 24, 2008

We will occasionally run short write-ups on local early stage entrepreneurs.  This week a profile on Matt Enders’ company mge.com, started in 2006 in Cary and has since grown with 500% annual growth and to 6 employees.

This post is also featured on LinkingRaleighNC.com.

In the online marketing industry there are numerous methods of driving traffic, sales, and leads to your website.  One of these methods is known as affiliate marketing.  Affiliate marketing is a highly cost effective and extremely low risk method of increasing the overall business a company generates via online promotions.  Think of affiliate marketing as a 100% virtual sales force dedicated to your company.  Affiliates work on your behalf to reach online consumers who you would not normally be able to locate, and are paid on a performance-based compensation plan.  Affiliate marketing is a cost effective and low risk option affiliates are paid ONLY when their referred sales and leads are validated.

mgecom, inc. is an online marketing company focused solely on affiliate marketing.  mge.com specializes in this vertical of online sales, and works with a variety of clients from across the US as their Outsourced Affiliate Program Management service provider of choice.

Located in Cary, NC, mge.com has been in business since March of 2006.  Since that time, they have rapidly grown from a two man operation run from a makeshift home office, to a 6 employee company working from great corporate space in the heart of the Triangle.  From 2007 to the close of 2008, they will have realized at least a 500% year over year growth rate.  This growth has enabled them to considerably reinvest in the company, add a higher degree of formal infrastructure and processes, and hire new staff.  Even during these turbulent economic times, they continue to grow their business.  The goal for 2009 is to reach an additional 300+% of overall corporate growth.

mgecom was founded by Matt Enders, a member of the Linking Raleigh NC group on LinkedIn, and a member of the online marketing community since early 2002.  Throughout his career, Matt worked every  channel of online marketing, including: PPC, CSE’s, portal shopping, email marketing, SEO, and of course affiliate marketing.  Affiliate marketing became a clear favorite for Matt, thanks to ever changing daily challenges, a nearly limitless number of relationships to be developed with affiliates, cutting edge technology used by both affiliates and merchants, and incredibly varied but effective tactics available for increasing overall affiliate program revenue for a merchant.  mgecom focuses on driving sales and leads for their clients while keeping an increasingly positive ROI.  We welcome companies of all sizes, from small shops to major corporations, representing multiple industries.  Each program receives our full attention, ensuring the affiliate programs are not only successful, but are a significant portion of overall online-generated revenue.

Contact Matt directly if you would like to know more about affiliate marketing.  Matt can be reached directly via matt.enders@mgecom.com, at www.mgecom.com, or via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mattenders

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Profiles, Startups |  

Startup Weekends

November 24, 2008

This past weekend there were 2 Startup Weekends.  Here are links to the scoop on both of them.

Nearby in Lexington, KY.

And in Athens (Greece, not Georgia).

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Start-Up Weekends, Startups |  

Startup: easier than looking for a job?

November 20, 2008

My friend Greg Hyer, founder of the LinkingRaleigh networking group and website, posted a question in the accompanying group (the link may not work if you’re not a member of that group) on LinkedIn.

Greg wrote: “If you lost your job would you start your own business?” and he referred to a comment I made in a post where I wondered why none of the people at a recent LinkingRaleigh meeting seemed to consider starting a business after having lost their job.

A lively and very interesting discussion started in the LinkedIn group.  (If you’re not a member of LinkingRaleigh, AND you live in the Triangle, contact Greg to inquire about joining.  With 2300+ local LinkedIn members its a great networking resource).  My take-away was that people see the challenges of a startup and still may choose to take the leap and start for themselves.  Not necessarily because a job-loss forced them to, but because they prefer the personal fulfillment of going out on their own.

Some of the best comments were from Don Crouse who wrote “Starting my own business, while a challenge has given me freedom and happiness that I have not had in years.  We are now in charge of our own ship and we are staying docked in Raleigh.”, and from Jeff SanGeorge who wrote “I keep going back to something a Professor from NC State told me, ‘its much easier to find new business than it is to find a new job’.”

I never really thought about it that way, but its very true.  The very thing that makes companies hesitate to hire us, may give us the incentive for a startup.  You know, as in “Necessity is the mother of invention”.  Of course, you could interpret it as “I started my company because it seemed like less work than looking for a job.”   :-)

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

What Recession?

November 20, 2008

Sometimes you read an article that you just want to tell others about.

I’m a big believer that there is no good or bad time to start a business only different circumstances.  And I’m not being cheeky here.  Look at it this way…  Right now is a tough time to find startup capital, but a very easy time to find cheap, qualified labor.  A few years ago it was the reverse.  So if you’re starting up now your challenges will be different, but as an entrepreneur you’re constantly facing new and different challenges anyway.

The article I saw proved the point that great businesses can be started in “tough” times.  And I’m talking about startups that your mother would be proud off, with names like FedEx, Burger King and HP.  The article ran in the on-line edition of InsideCRM (not sure if it was in the print edition).   Make sure to read the comments at the bottom as well, some interesting and inspiring thoughts there.

The article got a lot of attention, suggesting that people are looking for validation to start something.   I first saw it mentioned on the Linked Business Strategists blog and then on Dane Carlson’s Business Opportunities Weblog.   Enjoy!

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

Springstage starts “First Friday Jelly” Coworking

November 20, 2008

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey.  Not only do you need to overcome the deamons that keep telling you your venture will fail, you also need to keep the creative juices flowing to get your product and business plan worked out.  While you’re trying to overcome all sorts of challenges, it can be good to hang out with like-minded individuals.  Even if you’re inventing a new kitchen gadget and you’re chatting it up with someone solving commuting problems, you’re both faced with the typical issues of the startup venture.

Increasingly, there are places where you can get work done and find like-minded soles.  I talked about one such place recently when I interviewed Brian Russell of Carrboro Creative Coworking.  But now Springstage, the project that is launching startup blogs accross the country — including this one, is offering a new opportunity for coworking.  OK, for now its only in Dallas, but its a start and part of a trend.

So every Friday, starting on December 5th, bring your laptop and go work in an environment with other entrepreneurs.  No way to know who will be there, who you may meet and what influence it may have on your venture.  You just have to try it.  Its hosted by Alexander Muse and Big in Japan.  More details here.

In case you’re wondering… I don’t know why its called a “Jelly”, but lets hope there’s free jelly donuts!

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

Last chance for the KY Startup Weekend

November 18, 2008

You can still sign up, but you have to be fast.  The Startup Weekend in Lexington, KY is this weekend, starting on Friday evening at 6:00 PM through Sunday night.   Sign up here, and read more details here.

You can read more about the Startup Weekend concept in my recent post.

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Media, Start-Up Weekends, Startups |  

Council for Entrepreneurial Development to Support Microsoft BizSpark as Global Network Partner

November 6, 2008

Global Program Fosters the Success of Innovative Entrepreneurs and Startups

Research Triangle Park, N.C. (November 6, 2008) — The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), today announced that it has joined the Microsoft BizSparkTM program as a Network Partner. Microsoft BizSparkTM is a new global program designed to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early stage startups by connecting them to a global network of entrepreneurial organizations, such as CED, which provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conference and programs.

BizSparkTM gives startups fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies as well as production licenses. These technologies paired with the support from CED will help startups develop and deploy innovative solutions driving the next generation of user experiences.

“Microsoft BizSpark helps remove many of the barriers of entry to the software development tools and technologies, and market resources that are critical components of launching a viable business,” said Joan Siefert Rose, president of CED. “CED is committed to helping entrepreneurs and startups take full advantage of BizSpark to transform their ideas into sustainable, dynamic businesses.”

The BizSparkTM Program provides startups with software, support and visibility at a time when they are most valuable and least affordable—during their first three years, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.

“We’re really pleased to have North Carolina’s Council for Entrepreneurial Development as a BizSpark Network Partner. CED is located in the Research Triangle Park, which is the tech heart of the state, and they are the leading entrepreneur organization in the region“ said Cliff Reeves, General Manager of the Strategic and Emerging Business Team at Microsoft Corp. “CED works closely with universities like Duke, NC State and UNC, high-tech companies like Glaxo SmithKline, IBM and Red Hat, and dozens of investment companies to generate and nurture entrepreneurship. Microsoft is grateful for the advice, encouragement and support that CED has provided in developing the Microsoft BizSpark Program and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with them over time.”

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSparkTM Program, startups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years, and have less than USD$1M in revenue. Startups may enroll in the program by obtaining sponsorship from CED by contacting Dhruv Patel 919.549.7500 x118.  More information about BizSparkTM can be found at www.microsoftstartupzone.com.

About the Council for Entrepreneurial Development
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1984 to identify, enable and promote high-growth, high-impact companies and accelerate the region’s entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park, CED is the oldest and largest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation with more than 5,000 active members representing over 1,100 companies. CED provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conferences, programs and web-based resources. For more information, visit www.cednc.org.

For more information, contact Cassandra Cranston at ccranston@cednc.org or 919.226.0460.

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

CED Accepting Presenter Applications for the 26th Annual Venture Conference

November 4, 2008

Research Triangle Park, N.C. (November 4, 2008) – The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) proudly announces the launch of the application process for their 26th annual Venture Conference. The conference will take place on April 22-23, 2009 at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC. The first application deadline is December 19, 2008. Final application deadline is January 30, 2009.

In the last four years, Venture presenting companies have raised over $732.31 million in venture capital. This year, CED searches for the same caliber of high growth businesses from North Carolina and across the Southeast looking to raise initial or subsequent rounds of private equity capital. The applicants selected will present their ideas in front of hundreds of venture capitalists, angel investors and other financiers from around the country. CED’s Venture 2009 will also include expert industry speakers, networking opportunities and exclusive investor-only events amidst one of North Carolina’s premier golf club resorts.

“CED’s Venture Conference has consistently been the best run conference on the east coast,” says Jeff Reedy, CEO and president of Overture Networks Inc. “We have been honored to make it through the rigorous selection process and found their advisory approach to preparation to be very helpful to create the most impactful presentation. The conference is a great networking venue and helped us close several fundraising efforts.”

Overture Networks Inc., a leading developer of converged packet access platforms, has closed several rounds of funding after presenting at CED’s Venture Conference. After presenting in 2004, Overture Networks closed a $6 million financing round and after presenting in 2006, they completed a $7.5 million third round of financing.

“Our goal at Venture 2009 is to showcase the very best in investment opportunities from across North Carolina and the Southeast,” said Steve Nelson, general partner with Wakefield Group and chair of CED’s selection committee for the conference. “We welcome any and all innovative and emerging growth companies to apply to present at this exceptional event.”

Because selection is highly competitive, companies are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible so that they will have the opportunity to receive full consideration. A selection committee of qualified investors selected by CED will review each application. Selection of the presenting companies is competitive and based on the selection committee’s assessment of the company’s written application.

To complete the application online or for more information on the conference, please visit
www.cednc.org/conferences/venture/2009/presenters/.

About the Council for Entrepreneurial Development
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1984 to identify, enable and promote high-growth, high-impact companies and accelerate the region’s entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park, CED is the oldest and largest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation with more than 5,000 active members representing over 1,100 companies. CED provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conferences, programs and web-based resources. For more information, visit www.cednc.org.

For more information, contact Cassandra Cranston at ccranston@cednc.org or 919.226.0460.

Written by Marc DeWalle · Filed Under Blog, Startups |  

Next Page »