StartupCamp Comm Edition Comes to L.A.

One of the biggest problems startups face is getting attention. In order to obtain funding, users and other good things, they need to stand out from the crowd. Various events try to solve the problem for at least some of them, offering high profile showcases where the startups can present their cases. One of the best-known of these, DEMO, charges the startups a lot of money to present. Another, TechCrunch Disrupt, the successor to the TechCrunch 50 (and, previously, 40) events, does it for free. Both events focus on high-tech startups across the board.

Earlier this year a new event applied the concept to telephony startups. The event, dubbed StartupCamp Telephony, took place at the Internet Telephony Expo, or ITEXPO, in Miami in January. On October 4, it's happening again at the Los Angeles ITEXPO event. The new name is StartupCamp Comm Edition. It expands its subject area beyond pure voice telephony, but retains the communication theme.

The event will give as many as five startups five-minute slots each to make their pitches. As at the previous event, the audience will consist of industry insiders, media and, most important, investors. It will cost the lucky startups nothing. The deadline to apply is September 10, and presenters will be chosen the following week. Prospective presenters can apply by clicking the button on the site.

Applicants to date include AdelaVoice, Cloud Telecomputers, Freespee, GeoGraffiti, MedTaker, NumberTank, Ringio, the 2600hz Project and Vokle. Xobni CEO Jeff Bonforte, who was formerly involved with the Gizmo Project and Yahoo's Real-time Communications Group, will give the keynote speech.

The event is being jointly produced by Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) of Norwalk, Conn. and Embrase Business Consulting of Montreal.