Tech Start Ups Vie for Attention at Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091022005818/en

`American Idol` meets Venture Capital in the Big Apple
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in conjunction with venture collaboration group -
The Hatchery - recently hosted the `Gauntlet`, an event showcasing some of the
hottest UK start ups in the financial and media capital of the US.

The `Gauntlet` produced a platform for three of the UK`s brightest digital media
firms - Huddle, Rummble and Tailgate Technologies - to refine their business
plans and then present their funding pitches to a high calibre and captive
audience from New York`s vibrant technology scene.

David Blumstein, co-founder of The Hatchery and brains behind the `Gauntlet` -
the most interactive event of its kind - helped to critique, coach and prepare
the firms for the event previously described as `American Idol meets Venture
Capital`. He said: `This event has and will continue to serve as a gateway for
entrepreneurs from all over the world to present themselves in the most
professional manner to those who will play a big part in their future. The
evening would not have been possible without the fullest support of UKTI.`

The presenting companies were selected from a pool of 50 firms in a competitive
process that required firms to submit a business plan, describe their
technology, growth strategy and management team. The presenters were chosen due
to their innovative platforms within the social networking space and aggressive
growth and customer targets by a panel of judges which included investment
professionals from Virgin Group, GSAVP and Bessemer Venture Partners.

UKTI further highlighted its commitment to support SMEs` (small and medium-size
enterprises`) international expansion by working with British Airways to fly the
companies over the Atlantic for free to bring them to the forefront of New
York`s technology ecosystem. UKTI Director USA, Nick McInnes, said: `This is a
fantastic opportunity for these three British companies to showcase the very
best of British technology to the New York venture capital community. We are
very grateful to The Hatchery for their excellent support and advice on the
delivery of this event`.

The evening, attended by over 100 professionals from the New York venture
capital, technology, and media industries, was a roaring success, enabling the
British companies to polish their presentation skills and receive advice from a
panel of industry experts, whilst giving them exposure to high level VCs and
media contacts and an opportunity to forge strategic partnerships.

Participating company details:

Huddle - (www.huddle.net) - is an online collaboration platform for the
Enterprise: combining online workspaces, live conferencing, project management
and document sharing. Huddle was represented by Andy McLoughlin.

Rummble - (www.rummble.com) - makes it easier to share & discover places and
points of interest nearby that you will like. Rummble was represented by Andrew
Scott.

Tailgate Technologies - (www.tailgatetechnologies.com) - transforms any digital
display media (videos, mobile apps, banner ads, widgets, social network apps)
into ecommerce. Tailgate Technologies was represented by Christopher Autry.

For more information about this event or forthcoming missions, including the
UKTI`s Web 2.0 Digital Mission to New York, Nov `09, please contact:

Patricia Young Niall Gordon

Trade & Investment Officer
Business Development Associate

British Consulate-General, New York
British Consulate-General, New York

Tel: (212) 745-0451
Tel: (212) 745-0221

Email: patricia.young@fco.gov.uk
Email: niall.gordon@fco.gov.uk

About UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)is the government organisation that helps UK-based
companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring
their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's
best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and
contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British
embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies
with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. Learn more at
UKTI.

About The Hatchery

The Hatchery is a venture collaboration platform founded in 2007 on the
fundamental principle that all technology companies have the right to access
business experts and leading-edge information. Learn more at The Hatchery.

Press:
Makovsky + Co.
Daniela Viola, 212-508-9676
dviola@makovsky.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009