StartupDAZE

No More White...4th Quarter

Labor day weekend is over. I kicked it hard. However its now (roughly) 4th quarter 2007.  Last week a couple of annoucements 1) Farecast (predictor of hotels now) and another from SynapseCS (MyRideMyPad Facebook app). This week I assume more announcements/updates due to the lack of interruption (the weekend holiday).

More to come???

Recently Synapse Corporate Solutions based here in Seattle, WA said “we (being start-up people) should be on the look out for a series of rapid development projects. While checking out the founders profiles’ on Facebook I ran across this application MyRide|MyPad; they obviously know how to design logos….lets see if they can get users. This is also the team that has built BuyersVine (SOLD), SynapseLife (SOLD), Down2Night as well as their client base (according to their website).

Office Gaming BoilerTrack.com

Seattle firm to develop a simplistic casual game for the money making 22 to 28 year-old who is (at the office right now) coming up in the world. Think of it as a quick bet with your colleagues.

Dubai Summer

I recently went on a massive trip (Europe). There were only the “real rich,” …I’m talking Saudis. I’m talking about making fun of Netjets and flying private 737s with some of the most HOT girl westerners (cause they don’t trust anyone else). All the BUZZ is Dubai! Everyone saying “Dubai is the next frontier.” Dubai has a lot Palm Island, Ski Dubai…etc. And they have a nightlife…though nightclubs are mainly in hotels. People need to meet, sell, transact in Dubai and as far as I can tell they do not have much in that respect. The stock market is the UAE own exchange. There are hardly any web companies. Think about it.

So I do not know what to do there but something is in order. Maybe just buy up their domains DubaiNow.com or DubaiMall.com…etc.

I was told that in order for us (USA but I assume other foreigners) looking to do business in Dubai us(we) need a local “sponsor,” which typically requires some sort of partnership…pay off…etc. (can’t confirm this but discussed it several times).

Also another tidbit…that text messaging is ramped up in Dubai, where its more common than email among the younger set 23 to 35.

Did you know: That the Kingdom is a DRY country meaning no alcohol…yet…Saudi Arabia is the largest importer of Jack Daniels!

Definitely NOT Silicon Valley

The NW corner mainly Seattle (but I’m sure Portland & Vancouver B.C.) feel the same that being up here we can at least focus on what’s not the hype machine known as Silicon Valley (Sandhill Dr.). Up here we can develop and develop quality. We have major start-ups not fly by night companies not to mention Boeing, Starbucks and Costco (we have retail & transportation wrapped up!!!:) Now comes the startup to company transformation which happens above/ below the eyes of typical start-up founders (those founders in their 20s’ who do not know what startups should look like). These founders ruin it for the rest of us building a legacy…they spend half their time looking for money…Tagged! Now I will admit you (Silicon Valley) have Google & Yahoo!….but we all know your scared of our MICROSOFT! Half of you store your images with s3 (that’s our Amazon). So in the end the best go against the best. I guess it’s simple….first one to the top wins.
 

Moving Forward w/ a Hail Storm

(10:53pm Seattle, WA 1700) In all startup life there are ups and down (obviously). You read the stories that state: “Company A just raised an angel round or a Series A…1 million…5 million…12 million………120 million. The kid millionaire that built an application for Facebook or the early-stage start-up that gets acquired in less than 3 months of operation. (you get the point).

At at certain point you have to make the decision to go forward at the same pace you are going….or solider on. “Gut checks,” for your troops (who’s with you?). Choose to solider on and you will know your fate.

Your money is key! Budget wisely. Each injection of money is rocket fuel..save till the end.  

Here’s what I claim:

WE are going to be HUGE!  With our small rapid-development team we will be working feverishly to launch a series of “developments,” that will add “real,” value to the NEW internet. As the lunar eclipse happens later this evening…strategic plans are in place to begin the roll-out process beginning later this week (WEDNESDAY). Our clients will receive the “client enhancement,” services we have become famous for in the Northwest.

Fireworks coming soon!

Over the remainder of 2007 some of my friends around Seattle who are actively involved in their own companies ie: start-ups, development firms…etc have promised that the rest of 2007 will be a barrage of new and exciting developments for Seattle area techies and the related crowds in Silicon Valley, Boston…etc.