SXSW

  • Timothy Kephart, Graffiti Tracker: “I hated my company.”

    Timothy Kephart, Graffiti Tracker: “I hated my company.”

    SPN: The last time we did a story on you and Graffiti Tracker was in 2010. What have you been up to for the past 5 years? TK: I’ve spent the better part of the past five years traveling. I spend my winters in the Dominican Republic and usually summer in Europe. I’m researching graffiti…

  • Is it worth it? SXSW can bring value to startups, if done right

    (Guest post by Ryan O’Connell) Often nicknamed “spring break for entrepreneurs,” SXSW is increasingly becoming a party rather than a conference. But don’t be fooled by its massive size or fun atmosphere, it’s still a serious opportunity. Startup founders trek to Austin annually in hopes of becoming the new GroupMe or Twitter …

  • After pitching at SXSW, John Jackovin shares tips for first-time attendees

    Last week Bawte co-founder and CEO John Jackovin traveled to Austin for South by Southwest Interactive, but before he even set foot in the Lone Star State, Jackovin was looking for opportunities to share his startup with a larger audience. “This was my first SXSW so I went in pretty blind,” he said. “I used…

  • Kaylee Williams shares SXSW experiences through Register series

    Last week when entrepreneurs from around the world flocked to Austin for South by Southwest Interactive, the Silicon Prairie was well represented. While there were Iowa and Kansas City parties, a bevy of startup pitches and countless business cards exchanged, a handful of entrepreneurs also have taken the time to reflect on the festival. To…

  • Q&A: Tikly founder shares why SXSW is a great fit for Des Moines startup

    While we’re down at SXSW, we’ll be writing about the region’s entrepreneurs and covering sessions we think can bring value to the community. All of this wouldn’t be possible without our content partner, Pinsight Media+, which is making it happen. For those at SXSW, take note: 75% of apps make less than $1,000 per month.…

  • Midwest StartupBus nears its destination, could use your help

    About 20 entrepreneurial strangers are in the midst of a three-day bus trek that quickly makes everyone friends. The group pulled out of Kansas City early Sunday morning as one of seven buses from different regions participating in StartupBus North America, a competition focused on quickly building companies—think Startup Weekend on wheels—from just an idea…

  • Going to SXSW? Let us know and connect with the rest of the region

    Every March there’s an entrepreneurial migration south to Austin, Texas, for South By Southwest Interactive. This year’s event kicks off Friday and, as we do every year, we wanted to find out who all from the Prairie will be joining us and hopefully connect some of you in our region before the insanity begins …

  • Calling all Iowa startups: Join IEDA in co-hosting #IowaHour at SXSW

    With South by Southwest quickly approaching, the Iowa Economic Development Authority is looking for startups to help host #IowaHour, an opportunity for Iowa startups and entrepreneurs—current and former—to connect, promote their companies and gain some national exposure …

  • Newsy gathers another win at Appy Awards in Austin

    The South by Southwest follow-up story for Newsy was just as worthwhile as the first. The Columbia, Mo. startup last week garnered the award for Best iPad Publishing at the MediaPost Appy Awards, where it won the News category in 2011. The company’s free video news app …

  • Sen. Jerry Moran makes second SXSW trip to promote Startup Act 3.0

    Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is in Austin, Texas, today and Saturday for his second trip to South by Southwest Interactive to promote the third version of the Startup Act at several events. The bill, first introduced by Sens. Moran and Mark Warner (D-Va.) in 2011, aims to fuel economic growth and create jobs through Entrepreneur…