Though it might be tough to believe, StartupBus is exactly what it sounds like – a startup competition while riding a bus. Photo from Arne Hulstein via Flickr.
Like Startup Weekend? Then you might want to jump on board StartupBus. It’s a similar competition but much, much faster — like, 60 mph faster.
For the third year, StartupBus is holding its extreme startup competition – a challenge that pits teams and regions against each other to launch a startup in 48 hours while riding a bus to South by Southwest Interactive. Once in Austin, the teams present their final pitches to a panel of judges.
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This year, StartupBus founder Elias Bizannes is doubling the competition, revving up the total number of buses from six to 12. But what cities, or “tribes,” as he calls them, will be the launch pads for the buses? To start, the cities that want it more and show that desire socially online will help.
StartupBus has set up an “Unlock Your Region” page (left, screenshot from startupbus.com) for each potential tribe to add their voice to the final decision. “We will use the tribes with the most interest to validate demand which will influence our assessment as to whether we should invest in bringing them into the competition,” the page states.
A TechCrunch post today points out, however, that in the end the region’s voice won’t determine the final 12. Instead, the 12 will be chosen based on the number and quality of the applications submitted when those open up in January.
It seems like a few social media mentions – or maybe many – would be good start to drumming up interest for future applicants. To learn more about StartupBus and cast a vote for the Silicon Prairie region as one of the 12 tribes, visit startupbus.com/unlock.
Also, I had the pleasure of meeting Bizannes at SXSW 2009, the year before he launched StartupBus, and when I saw him again in 2010 I caught up with him on camera about the inaugural experience. Check out my video interview with Bizannes in our post: “SXSW: With support out of Omaha, The Startup Bus delivers.”
Hat tip to Gabe Kangas and Brad Dwyer for bringing this to our attention.
