midem 2012 is focused on technology and dedicated to offering entrepreneurs powerful opportunities to accelerate their business. Learn new skills, see demos of hot new technologies, and forge partnerships with industry leaders and potential investors. At the Innovation Factory, sponsored by Vivendi & Jamendo, startups can benefit from a full programme of events tailor-made to fit their interests.
At midem, tech entrepreneurs can avail themselves of several in-depth training sessions that will provide useful information on a variety of subjects that are vital to success. Join a session on The Basics of Start-Up Operations by Microsoft BizSpark, the globally-renowned incubation program. This program features practical tips on business plans, networking, fundraising, and entrepreneurial agility from Microsoft’s Emerging Business team. Also, check out the session on How To Raise Funds by French venture capital firm LD&A , who will explain how to best present your startup to investors, as well as key financial concepts like governance, shareholder agreements, and exit terms. Finally, discover a session on How To Pitch To The Media, by Martin Bryant, managing editor of influential tech website The Next Web. All startups know that getting media coverage can help attract investors and drive momentum. Martin will provide tips to make your media pitches stand out, discussing what works and what doesn’t.
A good mentor can provide valuable insights and useful advice. At midem, entrepreneurs have the chance to receive personalized advice in close, intimate mentoring sessions with CEOs from a wide spectrum of music and technology companies. Small groups of seven participants at a time will spend 30 minutes with successful business leaders from MOG, eMusic, Sonicbids, Gracenote, mxp4, Music Dealers LLC, and Mobile Entertainment Forum. Ask questions, get direct feedback, and benefit from the experience of these wise mentors. No need to book a session; they are first-come first-served. Plus, be sure to hear GigaOM CEO Paul Walborsky’s speech, “Disrupt, Engage & Build: Gaining Traction in a Market Dominated by Larger Players”. He will offer insights and case studies about how startups can disrupt an industry, engage its audience, and upsell premium offers.
Join an open-minded dialogue at midem’s BarCamp, which offers a unique opportunity for participants to submit topics for discussion and encourages engagement with peers. It’s like a jam session, but people share ideas instead of playing music. At BarCamp, Thibaut Rouffineau, director of the UK’s Wireless Industry Partnership, will guide a discussion on “mobile + music = innovation”, and the audience will become the panelists. Jump into the conversation!
Send us your suggestions for topics that you would like to discuss.
At the annual midemlab pitch competition sponsored by Vivendi, the best & brightest startups from across the globe compete for the top spot. The winner receives global acclaim, media attention, and exposure to potential investors & business partners. This year’s finalists were selected by midem partners Music Ally & bluenove. All finalists receive personalized coaching from Microsoft BizSpark, as well as international media exposure and access to investors & business partners. The winning pitch receives additional exposure, free legal advice provided by Jeff Liebenson, Principal at Liebenson Law (USA), and free access to all Reed midem events for one year. Previous winners have launched successful companies that are influencing the music industry today. Come meet the finalists, hear their pitches, and discover the innovations & business models that will shape music’s future.