iMedia NextWave 2012

2012 Next Wave Winners Announced!

imedia next wave winners

During the iMedia Breakthrough Summit, October 14-17 in Austin, Texas, 11 finalists pitched their companies’ value propositions on stage and fielded questions from an on-stage judging panel. An audience of approximately 300 people texted in their votes for the winners in each category, and the winners were announced during an awards dinner Tuesday, October, 16.

Congratulations to the participants and winners of the 2nd Annual iMedia Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase! Out of hundreds of nominated companies, the winners are:

Mobile Shopping & Commerce Category: PogoSeat

PogoSeat, for its real time, live-event seating upgrade app.

Pogo Seat

Mobile Campaign Management & Analysis: Placed

Placed, a location-based analytics platform measuring and analyzing the paths and places people visit in the physical world.

Placed

Mobile Entertainment: SeeMail

SeeMail, a mobile app that adds audio to the photo sharing experience

SeeMail

About Next Wave

The iMedia Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase is looking for the most promising early stage* start-ups in the mobile marketing realm. Finalists will have the chance to pitch to more than 300 digital marketing, venture capital, brand and agency elite during the iMedia Breakthrough Summit in October.

About iMedia

iMedia is a community that inspires and propels the industry's most powerful digital marketing partnerships, professionals and ideas through events and media. The company was founded in September of 2001 and is a subsidiary of dmg :: events.

Attend iMedia's Breakthrough Summit: Join iMedia's Breakthrough Summit, Mobile: Within Reach, for all the mobile technologies, consumer trends, and marketing strategies that break down marketing silos. Learn how to be to be in your consumers' pocket, wallet and mind throughout their day.

* Early stage is defined as less than three years in market (launched after May 20, 2009), with outside funding of less than $5 million (as of May 20, 2012)

iMedia Next Wave - Helping Media & Marketing Entrepreneurs Break Through

Event Overview

Back by popular demand, iMedia is proud to kick-off to the 2nd Annual iMedia Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase. Nominations are open!

Next Wave offers an opportunity for early stage start-ups across media and marketing categories to gain exposure and break through the clutter to earn the attention and consideration of the world's leading brands and agencies. This year, our focus is all things mobile. Participating start-ups will vie for iMedia community votes and the chance to pitch more than 300 digital marketing, venture capital, and agency elite during the iMedia Breakthrough Summit Showcase held at the iMedia Breakthrough Summit. An onsite vote will determine the Next Wave winner.

You can learn more about the inaugural 2011 Next Wave winner, Viddy, a company that's recently been posited as "the Instagram of video". As evidenced by Viddy and other finalists, such as GetThisTV, Adapt.ly, and more, these companies represent the best and brightest in a variety of emerging marketing platforms. Which start-up do you think could be the Next Wave in marketing technology? Nominate (or encourage your favorite start-ups to submit a nomination) today.

Nominations

From May 20-July 6, iMedia is accepting nominations for early stage companies in the following categories. Early stage is defined as less than three years in market (launched after May 20, 2009), with outside funding of less than $5 million (as of May 20, 2012).

  1. Mobile Entertainment
    Types of start-up companies include video apps, social TV, audio, augmented reality, and gaming applications with a focus on consumer entertainment. Non-commerce related mobile search also falls into this category.
  2. Mobile Shopping & Commerce
    These companies may include technology apps that serve as a bridge between digital and brick & mortar, POS, in-store mobile shopping applications & QR codes, etc. Also included may be start-ups with an emphasis on virtual and digital commerce on mobile platforms such as m-commerce, e-commerce, social commerce, virtual goods, NFC, etc.
  3. Mobile Campaign Management & Analysis
    These companies include those focused on back-end mobile campaign management, including cross-platform ad-serving, measurement, attribution, analytics, and other mobile campaign management.

Judges & Advisors

iMedia has commissioned innovation experts and advisors from top-tier brands, agency incubators, and the venture community to help judge and guide this year's event. Here are just a few of the advisors already confirmed:

  • Next Wave Advisor

  • Chris AlbinsonChris Albinson, Managing Director, Panorama Capital
  • Geoffrey HandleGeoffrey Handle, CMO, The Hyperfactory

  • Mobile Entertainment

  • Gordon PaddisonGordon Paddison, CEO, Stradella Road
  • Scott KvetonScott Kveton, CEO, Urban Airship

  • Mobile Shopping & Commerce

  • Dave KnoxDave Knox, Chief Marketing Officer, Rockfish Interactive; Partner, Rockfish Brand Ventures; and Co-Founder, The Brandery
  • Tricia NicholsTricia Nichols, Global Lead; Consumer Engagement, Media Innovation & Partnerships for Gap, Inc.

  • Mobile Marketing Management

  • Matt DohertyMatt Doherty, Mobile Director, FRWD

More judges will be announced in coming days.

Timeline

  1. Request for Submission: Qualified companies will be invited to participate in the Next Wave Challenge by submitting company details and background.
  2. Expert Evaluation: The iMedia team will leverage the advice and guidance of our expert judges to select up to 30 companies across three categories that will be showcased on iMediaConnection.com. They will be voted on by the iMedia community vote, and the finalists will get a chance to be a presenting finalist at iMedia Breakthrough summit. Each featured company will be in the early stages of funding and have demonstrated that it is tapping into technological innovation that's shaping the future of marketing.
  3. iMedia Connection Vote: As determined by crowd-sourced voting on iMediaConnection.com, a community of more than 50,000 marketing executives, twelve (12) presenting finalists will be given the opportunity to attend and pitch their companies at the iMedia Breakthrough Summit, Oct. 14-17, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, just outside of Austin city limits.
  4. Next Wave Finalists: Presenting finalists will be given a consistent challenge and five minutes to pitch the iMedia Breakthrough audience on how to partner with them for a marketing win. Breakthrough attendees will weigh in via live vote on which companies they think have what it takes to be true industry game-changers.
  5. The Next Wave Reveal: The Next Wave Showcase will culminate on Tuesday, October 16, revealing the selection of iMedia's 2012 Next Wave:
    1. Category Winner Mobile Entertainment
    2. Category Winner Mobile Shopping & Commerce
    3. Category Winner Mobile Campaign Management
    4. Best-in-Show (judges vote)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the iMedia Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase?
    Next Wave is an iMedia crowd-sourced start-up challenge that offers an opportunity for early stage start-ups across media and marketing categories to gain exposure and break through the clutter to earn the attention and consideration of the world's leading brands and agencies. This year, our focus is all things mobile. Participating start-ups will vie for iMedia community votes and the chance to pitch to more than 300 digital marketing, venture capital, and agency elite during the iMedia Next Wave Showcase held at the iMedia Breakthrough Summit. An onsite vote will determine the Next Wave winners.
    1. Why are we doing it?
      1. For our Marketers - Demand from the iMedia Community: iMedia, and specifically our Breakthrough Summit, is where the future of media and digital marketing intersect. Given the strong demand from the iMedia Community to infuse more innovation and early stage companies into the event, we are pleased to offer a program to gather insights on the hot companies gaining traction within the marketing communities.
      2. For our Next Wave Companies - Offer a Platform for Start-Up Exposure: Given that the start-up companies are crowd-sourced and vetted by a panel of experts in innovation (senior brand & agency executives, entrepreneurs and VCs), iMedia is pleased to utilize its platforms to showcase marketing technology, and help outstanding start-ups evolve to their next phase.
        1. From our 2011 Next Wave Winner, Viddy: "I had an amazing time at the iMedia Breakthrough Summit, last October in Las Vegas. Winning the Next Wave competition was an exciting moment that opened many doors for us. The iMedia Team were amazing hosts, and their guest list was beyond impressive. I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with industry leaders, and the trip was one of the best networking opportunities a CMO of a start-up could ask for, and I look forward to being included in future iMedia Events." Evan White, chief marketing officer at Viddy, Inc.
    2. Is Next Wave part of iMedia's Breakthrough Summit?
      Yes, Next Wave was launched in 2011 on iMediaConnection.com and showcased at the Breakthrough Summit. The 2012 presenting finalists will showcase their companies throughout the course of the summit. Next Wave winners will be selected and recognized at the closing dinner on Tuesday, October 16.
    3. When and where is it taking place?
      The 2nd Annual Next Wave Challenge formally kicked off at iMediaConnection.com on May 20 with the nomination process. Voting for the advisory board selected companies will run August 15-August 31. The Next Wave Showcase will commence October 15th & 16th at the iMedia Breakthrough Summit in Lost Pines, TX just outside of Austin, one of the nation’s emerging innovation hubs.
    4. Who are past participants?
      Past participants may be found here.
  2. What is the process, format, and timeline for the Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase?
    1. Who can participate?
      1. Nominations were open for early stage companies from May 20 to July 6. Early stage companies are defined as less than three years in market (launched after May 20, 2009), with outside funding of less than $5 million (as of May 20, 2012).
        1. NOTE: Companies that are acquired following the selection process will be recognized, but will no longer be eligible to participate in the Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase.
    2. What are the Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase categories?
      1. Mobile Entertainment
        Types of start-up companies include video apps, social TV, audio, augmented reality, and gaming applications with a focus on consumer entertainment. Non-commerce related mobile search also falls into this category.
      2. Mobile Shopping & Commerce
        These companies may include technology apps that serve as a bridge between digital and brick & mortar, POS, in-store mobile shopping applications & QR codes, etc. Also included may be start-ups with an emphasis on virtual and digital commerce on mobile platforms such as m-commerce, e-commerce, social commerce, virtual goods, NFC, etc.
      3. Mobile Campaign Management & Analysis
        These companies include those focused on back-end mobile campaign management, including cross-platform ad-serving, measurement, attribution, analytics, and other mobile campaign management.
    3. How many companies will be selected to participate in the iMediaConnection.com voting phase of the Next Wave Challenge and Showcase?
      A total of 30 companies will be showcased at iMediaConnection.com for voting, 10 companies in each category.
    4. What are the selection criteria for companies chosen to participate in iMedia's Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase, and how are they screened?
      Next Wave nominated companies were vetted to meet minimum "early stage" criteria as noted above. Qualified companies were presented to the expert panel of advisory board judges, who then distilled the companies down to the top companies that they deemed most promising to meet brand and advertiser objectives related to the respective categories, live applications/solutions, ability to execute and serve as the "Next Wave" in mobile marketing solutions.
    5. How many companies will be selected to compete live at iMedia's Breakthrough Summit?
      A total of 12 companies will participate in the Start-up Showcase, four from each category.
  3. When is the nomination deadline?
    The nomination deadline was July 6, 11:59 PM (PST)
  4. When does iMediaConnection.com community voting start/end?
    Also referred to as Phase II, this voting will run August 15-August 31.
  5. During the iMediaConnection.com community voting phase, who can vote?
    Voting is open to any registered People Connection member at iMediaConnection.com.
  6. Can I solicit votes on my own channels?
    Yes, Next Wave participants are allowed to solicit votes. However, all Phase II voting will commence at iMediaConnection.com. Any registered People Connection member may vote.
  7. Who sits on the advisory board for iMedia's Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase?
    A list of Next Wave Advisors may be found here.
  8. What does it cost to participate in Next Wave?
    Next Wave participants are not charged a fee for participation. The 12 selected presenting finalists will receive complimentary delegate passes to the Breakthrough Summit, a value of $4,250. However, travel and accommodations will be the responsibility of the selected presenting finalists.
  9. What if I am not selected as a presenting finalist but would still like to attend iMedia's Breakthrough Summit?
    Given the crowd-sourced nominations, Phase II Next Wave participants will be invited to join iMedia Summit and offered delegate passes at Next Wave participant rates.
  10. How will I know if I have been selected to participate? When will I receive this notification?
    All participants will be notified by July 27 as to the status of their nomination.
  11. If I am selected as a presenting finalist, how long will my presentation be?
    Each presenting finalist will be given 5 min. All presentations will be due to iMedia by October 8, 2012.
  12. During my presentation, how many people can be on stage and what are the presentation guidelines?
    Up to two people may be present on stage. However, iMedia recommends one presenter given the limited time. Specific presentation guidelines will be extended to presenting finalists, but will include company overview, applicability to brand marketers and agency executives, and key take-aways.
  13. Who are the Next Wave Start-Up Challenge and Showcase judges?
    A list of Next Wave Showcase expert judges may be found here. Additional judging will be in the form of a live vote from the iMedia Breakthrough Summit Audience.
  14. How much time will the judges take to evaluate my presentation during the event?
    Expert judges will be given a few minutes of Q&A. Voting will be opened to the community following the final set of presentations on Tuesday, October 16. Live voting is expected to close at 5:30 pm (CST).
  15. Who attends the iMedia Next Wave Challenge and Showcase?
    Attendees are comprised of mobile marketing industry elite including sr. agency executives (VP Innovation, Media, Strategy) from major holding companies and innovative independent agency firms, sr. brand marketers, a select number of venture capital representatives and other mature mobile marketing platforms such as Mojiva and Google.
    1. Will I have the opportunity to meet brand and agency leaders, investors and other entrepreneurs?
      Yes, iMedia Summits are intimate invite-only gatherings of thought leaders and change agents within the digital marketing sphere. Our summits are set up for rich networking, collaboration and informative programs. You will have numerous opportunities to engage with the audience listed above.
  16. What are the benefits of participating in iMedia's Next Wave Challenge and Showcase?
    Benefits to companies participating in Next Wave include unprecedented access to over 300 sr. executives progressing the mobile marketing industry, complimentary delegate pass (valued at $4,250), media exposure via iMediaConnection.com and insights from Silicon Valley’s top VCs and entreprenuers. The iMediaConnection.com platform reaches over 50,000 marketing professionals. iMedia’s community of brands and agencies are actively incorporating mobile marketing solutions into their arsenals for 2012 and 2013, and seeking new partners for considerations. This is the opportunity for advisory board-selected companies to gain their consideration, potential partnership and earn marketing budgets.
  17. How are winner(s) chosen?
    1. Category Awards: Three companies (one in each category) will be recognized with category awards via live voting from the iMedia Breakthrough audience. All participants will be invited to vote.
    2. 'Best in Show' Award: This will go to the company selected by the esteemed panel of judges and summit advisors.
  18. What is the grand prize if I am selected as an iMedia Next Wave winner?
    At this time, we do not anticipate one 'grand prize' for the Showcase Challenge. iMedia winners will be recognized as Next Wave 2012 winners in an editorial feature at iMediaConnection.com as well as via a public release issued by iMedia Communications.

    iMedia is also coordinating a private VC dinner for the winners that will further offer access and exposure for the winners to some of Silicon Valley’s most recognized VCs.

    Finally each finalist will receive one delegate pass to use at a subsequent iMedia Summit through calendar 2013 (value $4,250).
  19. What happens after the iMedia Next Wave Challenge and Showcase?
    Winners of the Next Wave Challenge and Showcase will be publicized in an editorial feature on iMediaConnection.com, as well as through video interviews conducted following the competition. Prior to the following year's Next Wave competition, iMediaConnection.com will follow up with winners and publish a "Where are they now?" feature. (See this year's feature here.)