This Week’s Best In Beta
Which startup is going to be the next big thing? Investors, bloggers, job seekers, and inspiring entrepreneurs everywhere are dying to know. Hundreds of startups enter private beta each month, and that’s far too many for any one person to keep up with. Fret not! Each week, I share some of the hottest new startups in this column, Best In Beta. Let’s discover the next big thing together!
1. Endorsevent
Huge potential here. Endorsevent is a platform that allows people to find businesses willing to sponsor their events in exchange for advertising. Concerts, conferences, birthday party, retirement party, baby shower – you post your event and see if any local businesses care to foot part of the bill.
I say, “Why not try?” Do you really care what brand of glasses are used at your reception? Yes, I’m well aware that some people care deeply. But maybe not so much that they wouldn’t be willing to go with an alternative if they could save money. Who knows what businesses – especially new businesses – might be looking for just the kind of exposure you’d be providing?
Understandably, the Endorsevent website highlights weddings – expensive productions with numerous players involved, which means lots of potential sponsors to help bring down spiraling costs and lots of attention on a wide array of products for vendors hoping to expand their brand.
I’ve been waiting for startups to prove me right that technology is about to open the floodgates on micro-philanthropy and micro-sponsorship. As the logistics become automated and platforms like Endorsevent more visible, it should be easier for small businesses and individuals to help one another. Show us how it’s done, Endorsevent! Be one of the first in line to find a sponsor or sponsor an event at endorsevent.com.
2. Stintern
It’s no secret that startups operate differently than established businesses. Teams need to adapt quickly, have members that possess flexible skill sets and both a willingness to learn and ability to perform on the fly. For these reasons, and so many more, old-school internships don’t serve either the student’s or startup’s best interests. Yet, most startups could really use smart, able and affordable-bodied hands.
Stintern is a Melbourne-based startup “with the vision to connect students, startups and businesses through ‘stints’.”
Love the concept. If I were back in school and assessing my job prospects, I’d be chomping at the bit to put some startup experience under my belt. Short-term “stints” or projects is a sound approach to making this happen, given the shifting demands of startup ventures.
Businesses find help growing, students gain experience that will actually help them land a job. Double win. Hop onboard to power up your business or resume at stintern.com.
