startups

So Google and Facebook really seem to be going head to head.  Google does not send people to Facebook and vice versa.

I am sure we remember that back in May, Facebook was discovered to be guilty of hiring a PR firm principally to tar Google’s reputation in regards to their privacy policies.  However, Facebook themselves really aren't any better!  They have been caught red-handed using personal data in inappropriate ways.  All you need to do is read their Terms to find out how blasé they are with some of our most personal information. 

Here are some of the more interesting ones I found –

The team behind the North East's successful incubator, Difference Engine are back with a new accelerator fund, ignite100, backed with funds of £1m.

Jon Bradford, founder of Difference Engine, which includes Digital Mission alumni Screenreach amongst the companies is supported, returns as Executive Director with Paul Smith, a North-East based entrepreneur running the programme. He said,

"Difference Engine was the first major acceleration bootcamp programme in Europe. ignite100 redefines acceleration programmes again and will be first acceleration programme in Europe to offer up to £100k per team."

The deal?

A little over three years ago, preparations for the very first Digital Mission to New York were just starting. A lot's happened since then, so what better time to reflect on the past, and ponder the future?

In this post (sorry it's quite long), we're reflecting on the story so far, looking at the future, how the missions are funded and the work to make them sustainable in the long-term, our plans for the next Digital Missions and three exciting new initiatives, plus how to get involved.

Read on, and do comment, we'd love your feedback.

The companies joining the Digital Mission to Washington are gearing themselves up for a packed week in and around the US capital meeting with numerous federal agencies, major corporates and a host of movers'n'shakers in DC.

We're delighted to announce a VIP Digital Mission Company Showcase (Mon 11th July - RSVP here) to close the first night of the mission. It follows a highly successful event organised by UKTI to promote TechCity a few weeks earlier. 

Working closely with FutureGov, UK Trade & Investment, Fairfax County EDA and Deloitte, the guest list will feature senior staff from across DC including speakers from sessions later in the week and key influencers in this sector from government and industry.

After the official presentations and introductions there will be a spot of speed networking with some of DC’s leading digital agencies and government officials continued with a casual networking session, with a chance to relax with a beer and carry on the all-important conversations.

The PanelPicker entry process for the 2012 SXSW Festivals and Conferences has officially opened, proposals will be accepted until the end of the day on Friday 15th July (11:59pm CST // 5:55am UK time).

The SXSW PanelPicker was developed to offer the community a chance to get involved in SXSW - not only by submitting panel, workshop and presentation ideas but also by reviewing, commenting and voting for the ideas they'd like to see become part of the SXSW festival.

Entering a solo presentation, workshop or panel to the PanelPicker is the best way to share your ideas, make sure your expertise are included and help shape SXSW 2012.

We've had a few requests for more time to apply for the Digital Mission to Washington DC (11 - 15th July) and although time is now tight, we thought we'd be generous and allow another 5 days.  The application deadline is now Friday 17th June.

// Apply now

There's a lot of fantastic events and activities planned for the mission, as well as some brilliant partners.  There's been so many exciting announcements regarding the mission the past couple of weeks, we've attempted to re-cap everything below.