International Startup Festival 2012 - July 11-13 - "Startups that Matter" key focus for second edition of the International Startup Festival

MONTREAL, June 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Known for its festivals and entrepreneurial scene, Montreal is the place of choice for the International Startup Festival (Startupfest). Focused on technology entrepreneurship, the event draws innovators, startups, investors and clients of the economics of innovation and new technology from around the globe. The second consecutive year for the festival, this year's event will be held July 11 to July 13 and features big names on the startup scene including: Dan Bricklin, Paul Mockapetris, John Wood, Stowe Boyd, Dave McClure, Howard Lindzon and Craig Walker. Startupfest offers the perfect opportunity to collaborate with some of the champions of the global technology and startup scenes.

Focused on hot sectors like mobility, gaming, social networking as well as clean tech, education, healthcare and more, this year's Startup Festival brings together the visionary investors of today and the game changing entrepreneurs of tomorrow in what is becoming an established hotbed of new ideas and networking. The event program, centred on the theme "Startups that Matter," includes, keynote speakers, elevator pitches, tent expos, workshops, conferences on future subjects, real money prizes and fun activities—not to mention the opportunities to expand one's network while having a great time with good company. The list of speakers and festival activities can be viewed at www.startupfestival.com.

"Our goal at this year's Startup Festival is to again educate, inspire and entertain," says Philippe Telio, founder of the International Startup Festival. "Last year brought in over 1100 people from around the world. With Busses coming from New York City and Quebec City, Trains from Waterloo, and Toronto, and a host of planes from around the world, this year's event is sure to be a blast for Montrealers and beyond."

The festival has teamed up with the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, will have original elevator pitches in an elevator, grandmother judges and a host of other fun things to do - a rarity at most business conferences.

"Microsoft is committed to accelerating the success of young innovative companies," says Christian Beauclair, senior manager, Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft Canada. "There's no better place than the International Startup Festival to find so many entrepreneurs and industry players, under a single tent at the same time." The festival creates a huge opportunity for us to connect with innovators and provide access to the Microsoft software development tools and an ecosystem that can help them start their business."

As a multicultural city, Montreal not only fosters a natural affinity for creativity and new technology but also creates an ideal environment for exchanges between investors, designers, developers and entrepreneurs around the world. The fact that the International Startup Festival will again be taking place in Montreal will be a contributing factor to the event's inevitable success.

This year's International Startup Festival is sponsored by platinum sponsor, Microsoft. The 3-day event will take place from July 11 to July 13 2012 in the historic Old Port of Montreal at the Iberville Passenger Terminal on Pier Alexandra.

Philippe Telio
International Startup Festival
[phone]
[email protected]
Twitter: @ptelio and @startupfest