Startup Weekend Kicks Into Gear

by: Todd Nuckols

Friday night welcomed close to 100 people at CRT/tanaka for Richmond's first official Startup Weekend.  First, Peter Fraser inspired the crowd to lead out the next generation of innovation here in RVA.  Then the big moment for 1 minute pitches arrived.

Over 35 people dared the mike and put their idea on the line.  Let's be clear, just that itself takes a guts.  Then voting, then announcing the top 10 vote getters, then teams started appearing (some based on the top 10, some out of the top 10, some freelancing it)!  All good!

For me, this is my first experience with a startup weekend and while I understand those who hold the opinion that events like this may trivialize just how hard it is to build a successful company I can honestly say that as a learning experience and a point of excitement for your startup community it has the potential to deliver big!

I am already looking forward to tomorrow's final 5 minute pitches to see what emerges.  And you can still join us at the Virginia War Memorial tomorrow night for $20.  Head on over to rva.startupweekend.org and see for yourself how your fellow creators are helping Richmond take its place in Virginia's startup ecosystem.  Go #RVASW!

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