Getting noticed as a new startup can be a big challenge when you have no proven record and especially now that everyone is at it. Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply tell people about your idea – you need them to see it for themselves in person so that they can really get an idea of what your product does and why it’s worth getting excited about.
And this is where events come in. Rather than trying to get noticed through a slew of cold e-mails, events allow you to meet the industry experts and analysts in person and to show off your products in person. If you have something that really is that exciting, then that will speak for itself and you’ll have a hit on your hands.
Hardware Battlefield
For hardware entrepreneurs, one such event is TechCrunch’s new ‘Hardware Battlefield’. Taking place at CES 2014 in Las Vegas between the 7th and 10th of January, this event invites the “best hardware startups” to compete (as the title suggests) on stage for a potential $50,000 check for the winner (as well as the ‘Hardware Battlefield Cup’). So if you have a hardware product that you believe in and you think you have what it takes, then get involved and you might just have the perfect platform to show it off.
CES of course is a large enough event in its own right, and one which permits access to all comers with no need for a badge. Whether or not you think your gadget is likely to win then, you’ll nevertheless be sure to attract a lot of buzz and get some free publicity as well so it’s well worth going along.
Where do I Sign Up?
Entry is free and open to all hardware companies planning on launching their products in a two week window before or after January 10. Prototypes are welcome, but you must have a working example to show and must be willing to offer pre-orders during the show or soon after. The competition also requires you to launch your crowdfunding campaign before the show (and the organisers recommend doing it just before the show in order to maximise impact). Of course, the product has to be original (not an update to an existing gadget). Bear in mind too that you should be available for rehearsal sessions prior to CES, and that you shouldn’t announce your project to other media until after the show.
In total 15 entrants will make the grade with more details to be decided nearer the time. To enter, visit <a href=”http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/01/calling-hardware-startups-compete-in-hardware-battlefield-for-50000/”>this page</a> and click ‘Apply Here’. Hurry though, you only have until the 30th of October to get your entries in.
Good luck, and may the best tech win!
