Entrepreneur Expo: Mayor Nutter tours 6th annual Startup Leaders event

The point of the Entrepreneur Expo from Philly Startup Leaders is for entrepreneurs, largely with tech and Internet businesses, to get feedback on their early stage ventures from other founders. That’s why Michael Riley, the founder of SimplPost was there last week at the 23rd Street Armory as part of Philly Tech Week.

The sixth annual event showcased all walks of entrepreneurial life: those seeking funding and exposure while investors and seasoned entrepreneurs were there to check out the newest ideas and initiate in depth conversations.

Find here the list of the more than 30 companies that were there.

While wearable technology and food commerce companies were there, there were plenty of internet marketing companies, such as analytics platforms as well as social networks and newcomers to the tech scene in Philadelphia.

Dave Becker, Founder of Beacon and Lively was excited to show off his new, elegant smartphone accessory.  “The conversations, ideas, and support are what make us so proud to be founded in Philly,” he said.

This year’s Expo was called the largest yet, said Rick Nucci, the president of Philly Startup Leaders who himself is working on a pre-launch venture.

Mayor Michael Nutter was also present, speaking with Nucci above the crowd and walking through many of the companies. Nutter stopped at the table of Instamour, the mobile video dating app this writer founded, and took photos with our team, including our marketing vice president Kristin LaSalle,

“The Philly tech scene has grown so much, and in part because of the Mayor’s initiative to help our ecosystem flourish,” said LaSalle.

James Bright, founder of CollectedIt, was one of the Expo’s first timers.

“We have been talking at length with other entrepreneurs about business models and current challenges,” said Bright.

Members of the PSL Accelerator program were present as well as the city’s more established early stage companies, such as RJ Metrics, Curalate and RealFoodWorks.

The event was possible by sponsors including First Round Capital, Morgan Lewis, University City Science Center, Zivtech, Saul Ewing, Chariot Solutions, Ticketleap, PHLCVB, and Broadpath.

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