Social Matchbox DC Q4 November 18, 2008

SUMMARY
Social Matchbox brings in members from around the DC creative, technology and web professional community for what some like to call an open mic night for hiring teams and entrepreneurs and others call speed dating for geeks. The open format is a fusion of job fair, networking event and product demo night for startups. Attendees include hiring teams and principals representing top startup companies from around the DC area, job seekers, and others interested in learning more about them. Founders with entrepreneurial ideas seeking others to join them, and founders with products looking for feedback and buzz.

PAST PARTICIPANTS
100dimensions, *Clearspring, Addmate, emPivot, Event Innovation, Fantasy Sports Madness, grasshopr.com, HotPads, iBelong, Innovative Query, Interactive Strategies, Intridea Inc, Ironworks, iStrategyLabs, JESS3, Kadoo Inc., Loladex, OurCoupleSpace, Positive Energy, Razoo, Revolution Health Group, ScriptAct, ShareMeme Inc., Siteworx, Starburbs, TinselCinema, TrafficLand.com, Viget Labs, Freewebs, Qloud, FamilyOven, Publi.us, comScore, Odeo, PlanetWeb.tv, MobilePosse, Pseuds, WorthPoint, Investors Without Borders, FOLIOfn, Zadby, Living Social, Customink, CyberLaw, Centrifuge Systems

WASHINGTON POST COVERAGE
“Networking events are nothing new on the D.C. business scene. But they tend to be more chaotic than the Social Matchbox event -- in a loud bar or cocktail hour at a local firm, with all types of tech folks mingling.

By contrast, the first hour of Social Matchbox featured an open- mic, where 19 presenters -- mostly Web start-ups -- gave a two- or three-minute spiel on their company and idea. Some just hoped to make the community aware of their existence. Some wanted advice or partnerships with other companies. Others wanted hire programmers experienced in a particular kind of software or Web development. Still others wanted to hire a chief executive or co-founder.”

“After the presentations, the crowd mingled as various Web products were demoed.”

Official Website: http://www.socialmatchbox.com