TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco
Finally got a few seconds to breathe after an eventful week in San Francisco for TechCrunch Disrupt. I went out there to participate in the hackathon and volunteer primarily, while also listening to the intense lineup of Silicon Valley heavyweights and networking with other hungry entrepreneurs. It was an escape from the regular day-to-day life that I needed.
Volunteering again (as I did in the first Disrupt) was a great experience, and I actually enjoy the process. It reminds me of the times I spent running around for MasterClash events like this one. The hackathon was also fun, although I only really used the first hour or so to build my app (SongCupid.com). For the next event like this that I participate in (most likely the Arts/Tech version of Startup Weekend), I’d like to come into the event with a full plan and try to maximize the time period to create something solid. The best example of this is what Tony Casparro did with Deal Pulse.
Angela And I presenting. Superman shirt was not intentional, I was just cold.
The presentation of my hack didn’t go too well, with the audio link not working as it should, but I think people got the point. Groupon enjoyed the app and actually gave us an award for it. My partner Angela Wang and I got to step on stage to accept the award before the guys from GroupMe got on to showcase their newest iteration (watch out for them, they could go big!). There were a ton of good apps, but I was most proud of J’aime Ohm with her app WiseDame. She won the hackathon and ended up presenting on the final day, right after Kevin Rose spoke. I’ve known J’aime for years now from collaborating on one of my startups in college. I was so proud to see her command the stage for 6 minutes; I felt like a proud uncle :-)
Angela and I receiving the award from Groupon’s Suneel Gupta. Flight lessons!
There were some great talks, especially from Vinod Khosla and Mark Pincus. The best part, though was in having some great small conversations with speakers and other volunteers. Everyone at these kinds of conferences have some insight to share. It was an honor meeting everyone and I hope one day I can help you all as much as you have helped me.
Hanging with Zivity.com founder Cyan Banister. Great woman with lots of insight and the pointiest shoes I have ever seen.
Next Disrupt will be a different experience, though. By then I will have something fully launched (or launching at the conference). Its time to step up to the next level of the game :-)
