StartUp RockOn Launches The StartUp Grant Challenge To Help Ignite Local Businesses At Its 2012 Convention Events

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the fast-growing startups of EventFarm, HyperVocal, and Fighter Interactive, who have joined forces to launch StartUp RockOn, are proud to announce the launch of the StartUp Challenge, a startup seed grant competition aimed at igniting America's startup community.  With the support of America's leading innovators, including WordPress.com VIP, Tumblr, the Entertainment Software Association, Microsoft, American Airlines, Heineken, KPMG, the American Natural Gas Association, Southern Company, Prudential, Aflac, MWW Group, and Startup America, on its events at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, StartUp RockOn aims to ensure that a true legacy is left beyond two weeks in Charlotte and Tampa. 

Through its partnership with Startup America and Mass Challenge, StartUp RockOn will allow entry-level startup businesses in Florida and North Carolina to apply through its website for a small seed grant to help take their innovative idea from napkin to reality.  One grant will be given in each state, and winners will be invited to attend the events at the Conventions.  Startups can apply online until August 24 at http://www.startuprockon.com/start-up-challenge.

StartUp RockOn partner, Ryan Costello of EventFarm, noted, "EventFarm, HyperVocal, and Fighter Interactive are all startups ourselves, and we don't want to wait until our 'exit' to help others. We are looking for the best ideas, not necessarily the most fleshed out business plans.  We know what it takes to run a startup, especially one that hasn't received millions in VC money.  We are startups helping startups."

The Challenge will be judged by a panel of entrepreneurs and startup supporters, including:

• Matt Mullenweg, Co-founder, WordPress; Founder, Automattic
• Michael Kempner, Founder, President & CEO, MWW Group
• Priya Dayananda, KPMG
• Ryan Costello, CEO of EventFarm
• Lee Brenner, Co-Founder of HyperVocal
• Kwasi Asari, CEO of Fighter Interactive

Launching at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions through a thrilling series of events where conventioneers will want to be and be seen, StartUp RockOn will combine exciting live music, including the headline act of The Roots, with programmed events by day and night to bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, celebrities, and other VIPs. Startups will be highlighted, as well as given a chance to meet and learn from those that have come before them.  Each of the supporting companies/organizations will have a unique presence at the series of events, ensuring their contribution to the startup culture and American economy is highlighted.

For more details or to inquire about partner and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the StartUp RockOn team at [email protected].

For more about StartUp RockOn, please check out:
http://www.startuprockon.com    www.facebook.com/startuprockon   @startuprockon

StartUp RockOn is the collaboration of three fast-growing startups: EventFarm, HyperVocal, & Fighter Interactive.

About EventFarm
EventFarm is taking the events industry by storm and has set out to revolutionize online ticketing, electronic invitations, and guest registration. Founded by event producers who were frustrated by the solutions today's market offers, the company develops online and mobile tools that event planners need to be successful.  In the last 16 months, EventFarm has quickly developed a very high profile client list including: Facebook, Google, Bentley, Hermes, Time Inc., Conde Nast, BET, Audi, and many more.  The platform is unique in its ability to be fully customized and fully electronic – eliminating the need for any printed material.  Recently, music venues have also begun turning to EventFarm, since  traditional ticketing services have not evolved and don't offer mobile solutions.  In addition to co-producing StartUp RockOn, EventFarm has partnered with Bloomberg Government, and will be releasing free mobile Apps for attendees of the 2012 RNC and DNC.  Visit EventFarm at www.eventfarm.com and follow us @eventfarmhand and www.facebook.com/eventfarm.

About HyperVocal
HyperVocal, LLC is a next-generation media company that brings quality sharable content to all its readers. Its network of digital properties, including the flagship HyperVocal.com, provides the Facebook Generation with a comprehensive look at the hyper-frenetic, attention-deficit news cycle. Founded by two news and Internet veterans, Slade Sohmer and Lee Brenner, the HyperVocal Network is growing quickly. Since its beta launch in late 2010, HyperVocal.com has amassed millions of page views, signed on a full network of contributors and developed partnerships with large media companies and some of the country's top non-profits. As part of its business strategy and philanthropic urges, HyperVocal donates a portion of company profits to education and literacy programs. Check out HyperVocal at www.hypervocal.com and follow us @hypervocal and www.facebook.com/hypervocal.

About Fighter Interactive
Founded by burgeoning media mogul Kwasi Asare, acclaimed for his work as the mastermind behind Sean "Diddy" Combs' online empire at Bad Boy Entertainment and his work with "A list" artists including Outkast, Ice Cube, Prince, LL Cool J, Wu Tang Clan, Pharrell, Gnarls Barkley etc. and transmedia visionary Derrick Gomez, FIGHTER Interactive publishes and markets celebrity and brand-driven software, social games & applications for web and mobile platforms.

FIGHTER Interactive develops and supports technology to engage fans of music, film, TV, fashion and sports in immersive interactive experiences with their favorite stars and brands.  FIGHTER Interactive's clients include Snoop Dogg and Cashmere Management, Bad Boy Entertainment, Kiosked, Lil Wayne and Madison Strategic Integration, DJ Mixer, United Entertainment Group etc.  With offices in New York City and San Francisco, FIGHTER Interactive connects Hollywood & Madison Ave to Silicon Valley.  Learn more at www.WeAreFighter.com and follow us @Wearefighter.

SOURCE StartUp RockOn