Launch Fest is the highly anticipated one-day startup conference and demo day kicking off tomorrow (May 1) at 10:00 AM at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
The event brings together investors, mentors, and speakers and features practical advice to inspire the next generation of New Orleans entrepreneurs. Organizers are expecting over 250 attendees for the morning world class speaker sessions and the afternoon pitches.
Organizer and Launch Pad cofounder Chris Schultz said a few of the highlights include Kickboard founder Jen Medbery talking about the New Orleans education technology startup ecosystem and motorcycle designer JT Nesbitt’s big reveal. Nesbitt was given an unlimited budget to build the high speed machine of his dreams, on which he will be attempting to break the world land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats later this summer. His machine, the Bienville Legacy, will be revealed in a final preview showcase at Launch Fest.
“This seriously is going to be the best Launch Fest yet,” Schultz continued.
Other speakers include: Mike McDerment, Freshbooks; Robert Stephens, Geeksquad; Jim Jacoby, ADMCi; DJW & Curry, MiDEA, Sunken City; and James Yockey, Oseberg.
Launch Fest is also part of the entrepreneur “postseason,” which follows New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) and a season worth of events and mentorship. The companies who will be demoing at Launch Fest were chosen as the top companies from NOEW. After tomorrow, they will go on to New York and San Francisco to continue to showcase the local startup scene in the two tech hubs.
“It’s critical for New Orleans startups to build a national network. The New Orleans Startup Showcase is a platform for entrepreneurs to plug into the networks we’ve built in New York and San Francisco of investors who care about New Orleans and can partner with local angels to help companies get to the next level.” said Schultz.
To register for Launch Fest, click here.