How many startups have money? Not many, I assure you.

When I started, I didn’t have anything that I hadn’t already saved up. The startup companies that I am working with presently don’t have any money, outside of bootstrapping.

So I want to apologize for something.. I didn’t know that DEMO charged upwards of $20,000 to get up on stage. I am not discounting the convention, because there is a lot of really cool stuff going on there. But I wonder, is the audience really seeing the best, most innovative companies?

I will still be covering the truly amazing parts of DEMO as I see them. Taking an outside look at the video demonstrations and the blogger’s reviews.

But I just wanted to make one thing clear - “I believe in startup companies that have nothing but a good idea and a great business model.”

Introducing the TechCrunch 20

A few days ago, TechCrunch announced that they were partnering with Jason Calacanis to present the top 20 startups in technology. The best part - The demonstrating companies don’t pay a dime.

This it truly an fantastic opportunity. The awe inspiring companies like Digg and Youtube weren’t started at DEMO, they were started in someone’s basement.

Nothing more than an idea and a vision.

Granted, the DEMO cost of entry basically weeds out whether the company has been funded or not. If they have been funded, they have impressed someone, somewhere! And it goes back to the initial investment debate - If someone invests in your company, it is a hell of a lot easier to say goodbye to $20,000.

If you built your company working 80 hours a week and eating only Ramen noodles, it is a bit more difficult to justify that price tag!

“Spend to money for 10 minutes up on stage, in front of people who have been brain-numbed by 40 other presentations, and still hung over from the night before… Or feed my family and invest the rest in research and development?”

No question there.

DEMO vs. TechCrunch 20

I am excited to see TechCrunch and Jason Calcanis forging ahead with this goal. And I wish them the best of luck.

Starting companies (and empowering people to start companies) is about lowering all of the barriers associated. And a $20,000 price tag is a definite barrier.

DEMO is a great venue, and one I still like. But The TechCrunch 20 is the place you will see true, people-inspired innovation.

Which leads me to my next post!!

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