DEMO Conference In Palm Desert Could Mean Big Money For Start-ups

You’ve likely heard of Facebook and Twitter. They once were a small start-up. Now they’re worth billions. Other high-tech startups are looking for money, and they are coming to Palm Desert.

At the Demo Conference, organizers give startup companies 6 minutes to pitch their new high tech startup idea to a ballroom full of investors and media. It’s tech heaven for geeks.

“I’ve traveled the world to find the best to bring them to silicon valley and here,” said Demo creator Matt Marshall.

It all started 20 years ago. Start-ups must be invited and pay big money for the opportunity to secure seed money from venture capitalist. Pete Sinclair with Leapfrog Ventures attends Demo. “Our fund represents $250 million. We invest $2 to $4 million in a company. There’s 50 to 100 venture capitalist here, we’re talking billions of dollars to invest.

One of this year’s most popular starts-ups is www.socialeyes.com, they connect Facebook via webcams for instant video chat. Rob Glaser created RealPlayer, SocialEyes is his latest endevour. “It brings together something that is very natural, talking face to face with someone from anywhere in the world,” said Glaser.

Companies like Tivo launched its DVR technology at Demo years back. The conference is held every year at the J.W. Mariott in Palm Desert. Rooms sell out fast meaning big money for the local economy.

On Monday, Enterproid won $150,000 for their idea. They created software for your iPhone and Android smartphone making it safe enough for business.

Demo ends Tuesday night. Many of the start ups will be in talks with venture capitalist over the next couple of months.