...can cost as
much as $30k. I think it is a lot, but most likely it is a necesarry
evil methinks. Please note that the product development costs are around a
similar figure - mainly that low because of the team location. Great time to
start something up, indeed.
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well - there are 2 kinds of demo-ers:
- ventured entrepreneurs - they have to spend money on smth, right? And since the "new generation" of start-ups doesn't burn cash as five years ago...
- not-yet financed start-ups - hoping to find interested VCs - since they are an important part of the participants
Both types also have a vague interest in demoing products to potential customers... But that comes kind of second.
Not all startups are looking necesarily for VC money. Some are boostrapping and are doing just fine - I think it is also the case of Sproutit.
Besides, DEMO is one of the most intersting events of the year
I've been listening to tens of podcast from the past editions - check http://podtech.net/
And yeah, usually lots of cool companies (with cooler business models) demo there.
On VCs - it's somewhere in between... It's also the PR around the event that's bringing demo-ers.
But it's sure a great event. Check the podcast with the organiser on the feb edition (which will be next week):
http://www.podtech.net/?p=287
http://avc.blogs.com/a_vc/2006/02/demo.html