SeedStart Media 2011 Launches Summer Startup Program for Digital Media Entrepreneurs


Up to 10 digital content, e-commerce, ad infrastructure, and mobile technology startup companies have the chance to participate in the 12-week SeedStart Media 2011 program, which includes $20,000 in seed funding.

“This summer we decided to concentrate on one particular vertical, digital media and e-commerce,” said Owen Davis, managing director of NYC Seed, a firm that provides seed funding to New York City-based software companies. Polytechnic Institute of NYU is an NYC Seed partner.

“This is a key vertical for New York City and with a growing need for innovation we have gathered an outstanding group of media, advertising, technology and early stage investment professionals to offer guidance and marketplace feedback to ensure the long-term success of companies.”

Some of the world’s largest media, advertising, and technology companies, including AOL Ventures, Comcast, Hearst, MTV Networks, News Corporation, Time Warner, Vivendi and others to be announced, are participants.

Members of the startups will attend lectures, coaching, and networking events where they’ll interact closely with representatives of traditional media companies, digital media companies, e-commerce companies, experienced venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs.

Each company will present to a group of venture capitalists, angel investors, and potential customers and partners on the program’s concluding “Investor Day.” Five venture capital firms will provide funding and mentorship for SeedStart Media 2011, including Contour Venture Partners, Comcast Interactive Capital/Genacast Ventures, NYC Seed, Polaris Venture Partners, and RRE Ventures.

Interested companies should apply online by March 31, 2011. Additional information is available on NYCSeedStart.com.

Finalist will be selected by the end of March. The program will begin in early June in New York City. Inquiries should be directed to Owen Davis via e-mail or phone: 707-469-3669.