What am I Missy

Google the VC; The site Love Guru; Pitch TV

What am I Missy, Episode 15

Innovation series by Meliza Solan Surdi
April 3, 2009 | Comments (8)
Short URL: http://vator.tv/n/7d2

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It's not exactly the best time to be a venture capitalist these days. But this hasn't stopped Google from getting into the game. Google has launched Google Ventures with $100 million to be invested in early-stage startups. The almighty search giant is taking advantage of the downturn to hunt for "the next big thing." Let's just say Google's "Mini-Me" is about to be discovered. Google knows that strong startups emerge during tough times. It should know. Google blossomed during the dot-com bust. Good luck, Google. May the best "Mini-Me" win.

See: Google's newest venture

The things you do to get users to love your site is a lot like what you do to win someone's affection. Hold their hand and communicate; acknowledge achievements; remember that it's not about you, it's about them. Take it slow and don't move too fast. These tips come from Alexa Andrzejewski, who sounds like the Love Guru, but she's not. If you don't have a site? Well you can always apply the same advice toward a relationship.

See: Getting users to have a "crush" on your site

Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Airways, launched Pitch.TV,  a show with people pitching their idea in video. Sound a little familiar? My CEO Bambi Francisco is flattered about the idea and the name. Vator first started as a place for people to pitch their ideas in video. And, Vator's original name was MyElevatorPitch.tv. Try saying that five times fast! Our investor Peter Thiel thought that name was just too long. Well, there's not much to Pitch TV, besides Branson's post. But with Branson's name and the fact that these pitches will be aired in front of a captive audience on Virgin Air, Pitch TV is sure to get some attention. He even plans to give away special prizes. So get your pitches ready and get them uploaded. But get them uploaded to Vator first!

See: Announcement: Launching Air Vator

 


Related companies, investors and entrepreneurs

5
Bambi Francisco Roizen
CEO and Founder,
Vator
Bio: Vator was a side project of mine that was a mere concept while I was a columnist/correspondent at Dow Jones MarketWatch. It was originall...
95
Peter Thiel
President,
Clarium Capital Mana...
Bio: Founder and President, Clairum Capital Management, LLC - Oct. 2002 to present. Clarium is a $2-plus billion macro-focused hedge fund.Mana...

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Comments

Josh Chandler
Josh Chandler, on April 4, 2009

Now Vator.tv may has HUGE competition from Virgin for the pitching space, but heck if Vator and Google Ventures teamed up imagine how much more powerful that would be then a Virgin "copycat", perhaps Branson will offer a "Google Ventures" competitor soon?!?!?!


Lorenzo Carver
Lorenzo Carver, on April 4, 2009

This is a really smart way to acknowledge a potential competitor (or potential partner). I'm guessing whoever monitors his site traffic will note the increased visits from Vator.tv as a result of Bambi’s post and the great piece in this week’s episode. If they (Branson/Virgin) are seriously thinking of building out the video pitches, then partnering with someone further along in the experience curve would make perfect sense.


Gary Silver
Gary Silver, on April 5, 2009

Love the Missy "Soup". // I think Vator has much to fear from Virgin as competition as Starbucks has to fear from Virgin because they serve coffee... well, maybe tea is the niche they can work.


Comment_gbg
Kevin Rivers, on April 5, 2009

Good show Meliza,

Though Pitch.TV's idea is compliment to Virgin Airways, I don't think they'll be able to draw in the large consumers as Vator because they're a little late in the game. Though It's always great to see competition in your market so let's see what happens! Go Vator! :D


Gary Silver
Gary Silver, on April 5, 2009

@Meliza, I would never missy it!


Darryl Ballantyne
Darryl Ballantyne, on April 6, 2009

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

As for Google Ventures, it makes tons of sense - they're instantly a top-tier VC (who WOULDN'T want to be funded by them??) and it's a great way to sustain the high growth rates they're used to.


Rene M
Rene M, on April 6, 2009

I wonder how far Richard Branson new site will last. Virgin is an awesome company and I just can't picture him commiting to the project very long.


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