For the 3rd year running, the LeWeb conference organised by Géraldine and Loïc Le Meur will be paying tribute to enterprising spirit with the StartUp Competition. The competition will enable young companies to raise their profile and present themselves before a panel of key business professionals and investors as part of the largest Internet–dedicated event in Europe and the 2nd largest in the world.
This year, LeWeb ´08 is joining forces with Seedcamp to give start–ups even greater support. Seedcamp is the brains behind the competition of the same name, which enables young European start–ups to raise funds from venture capitalists and receive a helping hand in getting their business off the ground. Seedcamp will deliver its expertise to the organisation, take part in short–listing the start–ups and help the competition run smoothly during the conference.
30 start–ups will be selected on the strength of their application, according to their innovative quality, their business model, tangible proof of the benefits delivered, and so on. On 9 December, these 30 companies will defend their solution or service in front of a panel of judges, comprising journalists, entrepreneurs and investors.
The three competition winners will then be given the opportunity to present their company to all participants at LeWeb ´08 on 10 December on the main stage during a special session.
Previous winners of the main prize include Goodjet in 2007 and Yoono in 2006.
"Not a week goes by without entrepreneurs contacting me to say that they have raised funds or signed a strategic partnership for their start–up after taking part in LeWeb or the start–up competition. LeWeb provides entrepreneurs with unique, international exposure and serves as their fast–track passport to a network of business angels and venture capitalists," explains Loïc Le Meur.
Entry into the StartUp Competition is free.
Applications will be accepted until 20 October and are available online from http://www.lewebparis.com/startup.html.
About the LeWeb conference:
LeWeb is the largest event for the web industry in Europe and the second largest in the world. In 2007, the conference attracted over 1,800 participants and 300 journalists from 40 countries. Keynote speakers have appeared at previous editions, including Shimon Peres in 2006 and Philippe Starck in 2007. The 2008 event is proud to announce the participation of Paulo Coelho.
LeWeb ´08 will be held in Paris on 9 and 10 December in 104.
For further information, please visit www.lewebparis.com
