SXSWedu and LAUNCHedu

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Photo by Arnold Wells

Based upon successful Accelerator programs at SXSW Interactive and SXSW Music, LAUNCHedu provides an exciting opportunity for conference registrants to see promising entrepreneurs publicly pitch their startup education business concepts and products. LAUNCHedu sessions are sure to be full of fast-paced conversation and demonstrations before a panel of judges that include venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and education practitioners.

Companies that are deemed to have the greatest opportunity for success and impact will move forward to an exciting final round of presentations, where the winners will be announced…and rewarded! SXSWedu appreciates the hard work of its LAUNCHedu Advisory Board, who is actively engaged in developing an entertaining, enlightening and rewarding experience.

Based upon successful Accelerator programs at SXSW Interactive and SXSW Music, LAUNCHedu provides an exciting opportunity for conference registrants to see promising entrepreneurs publicly pitch their startup education business concepts and products. LAUNCHedu sessions are sure to be full of fast-paced conversation and demonstrations before a panel of judges that include venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and education practitioners.

Companies that are deemed to have the greatest opportunity for success and impact will move forward to an exciting final round of presentations, where the winners will be announced…and rewarded! SXSWedu appreciates the hard work of its LAUNCHedu Advisory Board, who is actively engaged in developing an entertaining, enlightening and rewarding experience.

LAUNCHedu is an event focused on identifying the next generation of companies that will impact the K-12 and Higher Education markets. The objective of this event is to connect innovative early-stage companies with industry leaders and investment firms that are willing to share their experience on how new ideas become successful businesses.

The LAUNCHedu application fee is $175. All applications must be submitted no later than Friday, November 18, 2011. Please read below for application details:

Eligibility Requirements

1. Be incorporated with a management team and a public facing web site
2. Have launched a product in the K-12 or Higher Education markets
3. Can demonstrate active users with reasonable engagement / adoption metrics
4. Be able to convey a viable business and revenue model
5. Submit references and testimonials on the value the product delivers
6. Be seeking seed or an early stage investment (seed or A round) from investors
7. Be passionate about helping students achieve a successful education

Business Categories

1. Start-up companies that are developing and delivering web and mobile software & services that can significantly impact students, teachers and/or administrators in the K-12 market.
2. Start-up companies that are developing web and mobile software & services that significantly impact college students, professors, and/or institutions in higher education.

Confidentiality

All preliminary application information that is submitted is confidential and will be only viewed by LAUNCHedu staff, the LAUNCHedu Advisory Board and selected judging panelist.

Application Fee

A non-refundable $175 entry fee is required from all applicants who would like to be considered for participation in the event. All LAUNCHedu entrants will be given the chance to register to attend SXSWedu at the lowest rate, if they are not chosen as a LAUNCHedu finalist. Finalists will receive free attendance to SXSWedu for up to two executives.

For more information: http://sxswedu.com/launchedu