Kate Jackson's blog

TableCrowd is a social dining network where like-minded people can meet and eat. Kate Jackson is Founder.

Been a busy two weeks at TableCrowd HQ, with much achieved.

I was part of Digital Mission to New York, and picked up some great tips for UK businesses wanting to take a bite out of the Big Apple and beyond.

Here’s a round-up of the key things you need to know before heading Stateside.

Pitching is a nightmare. No error, plenty of terror, which is why we’re so impressed with Kate Jackson’s literal elevator pitch for her company, TableCrowd. She explains how it is done.

Kate Jackson is Founder of TableCrowd, a social dining network. We think she lives on a Lear Jet, circling the globe like the twitchy billionaire in Contact. 

Monday. Joined Chinwag’s Digital Mission direct from San Francisco. Booked in fundraising and partnership meetings around the hectic DM and Social Media Week schedule. Met my fellow travellers over informal drinks in Manhattan.

Tuesday. Master class from attorneys at Venable LLP on how foreign companies can operate/raise money in the US. Attended first SMW event: roundtable discussion from published social media authors where, bang on trend, there were prizes for the most prolific event tweeters!

TableCrowd is a social dining network where like-minded people can meet and eat. Kate Jackson is Founder.

Monday. Set up meetings, demos and pitches in San Francisco. Flying tomorrow with four days to make connections and learn the tech and fund raising scene in the Bay.

Wednesday. We made it to the semi-final of Vator Splash and watched 10 startups battle it out and face questioning from the panel. Words of wisdom from speakers including Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote, and a host of VCs.

Kate Jackson, explains how social dining and Digital Mission delegate, TableCrowd took advantage of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and its sibling SEIS to secure investment.

Hoorah for the announcement that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption for investments in SEIS companies will be extended.

EIS and SEIS are tax relief schemes designed to encourage investment into early stage, high-risk businesses. A high number of technology and digital startups fall within this catchment and should pay close attention to the benefits. The CGT exemption is now valid until the end of 2014. 

TableCrowd is a social dining network where like-minded people can meet and eat. Kate Jackson is Founder.

Monday. Frantic. Meet designer to work on responsive technology, factoring in improvements which come from user feedback on our beta site.

Our application to Chinwag’s Digital Mission to New York was accepted, so we join 20 other companies to gain insight into the New York tech scene. UK Trade & Investment London is helping some companies with a grant towards the trip; I’m hoping we’re one of the chosen ones.