maT Seeking Entrepreneurs, Dreamers And BusinessVisionaries (NAPSA)—A new contest is giving entrepreneurs the opportu- nity to pitch their business ideas before the likes of Google’s Marissa Mayer, the Red Sox’s Curt Schilling and the world, with three of them walking away with not only investment dollars, but a functioning company supported by some of the best business advisers, accountants, lawyers and marketers in the world. In the process, a vibrant community for start-ups and those interested in investing in them, partnering with them, working for them or beta testing their services will develop. Entrants will be able to brainstorm, get new ideas and meet potential new business partners, investors and employees. The contest site is a community and utility that will grow in its ownright over time. It’s a network where people interested in entrepreneurship, start-ups, investing and hot new technologies will congregate to discuss ideas, collaborate, look for jobs and perhaps take part in future contests. “You Be the VC”is an opencall for entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for new start-ups before the contest deadline, February 1, 2008. The public will ultimately decide which three companies will get start-up funds and resources. The “launch pad” will include: Incubator office space and support staff in Cambridge, Mass.; e Legal counsel from Foley & Lardner; Financial and accounting advice from Deloitte & Touche; Start-up capital from Bang Ventures, an investment firm focused on early-stage emerging technology companies; and Stipend to live and work in the Boston area for three months. In addition to representatives from the above-named companies, contest judges will include Robert Balke, corporate adviser, Forge Partners; Tony Perkins, founder and editor in chief, AlwaysOn; Jason Pontin, editor in chief and publisher, Technology Review; Bambi Francisco, CEO, Vator.tv; Keith Rabois, co-founder, Slide.com; Leah Culver, co-founder, Pounce; Craig Walker, co-founder, Grand- Central; Rob Norman, CEO, Group M Interaction Worldwide; Jim Fowler, CEO, Jigsaw; Marissa Mayer, vice president, Search Products & User Experience, Google; and Curt Schilling, founder and chairman, 38 Studios. Remember, “You Be the VC” isn’t a beauty pageant; it’s an effort to allow great ideas to become great companies. The real reward is the experience and support—financial and otherwise—to build your company. About Bang Ventures Bang Ventures helps smart and driven people co-found fantastic new companies, providing entre- preneurs with a roof over their heads, mentoring, a deep network of contacts, marketing support, professional services and other technical support, as well as funding. The firm gets into the projects at the inception phase, evaluating opportunities and empowering entrepreneurs to develop strong companies. To learn more or for informa- tion on how to enter the “You Be the VC” contest that ends Febru- ary 1, 2008, visit the Website at www.youbethevc.com.
