From Tradition to Technology

Philadelphia, a city of many firsts, has blossomed into a city that has it all!

The 5th annual Philly Tech Week is case in point.  Presented by Comcast, the 150+ event celebrating innovation and technology is happening now through April 25th.  From the Kickoff party at Dilworth Park to the Signature Event that concludes the festivities on 4/24 at the Comcast Center, there is something to satisfy the geek in all of us!

Not one to miss a party, I started the week by attending DreamIt’s Demo Day hosted by First Round Capital.

The Demo Day was an intimate, 
invitation-only event for investors, press, supporters and yours truly!
It was also the official kickoff for a week-long road show where the DreamIt class will be visiting VCs in New York, Boston and San Francisco and…Philadelphia was their first stop. 

The day was a great opportunity to network, hear progress pitches from each of the nine companies…where was #10?, and meet Mayor Michael Nutter.  The Mayor kicked off the event by highlighting Philadelphia’s many FIRSTS as well as his support of small businesses, startups and innovation.
Right before he took to the podium, he and I discussed Uber and Lyft and when I say discussed, what I mean is I was explaining to the Mayor, the days’ 5x surcharge due to the torrential rain.  Another first? 

Here’s a very quick rundown of the 9 companies but check out their sites and my Twitter handle @AlyaIS to learn more.  Never know, there may be the next Meerkat in their midst!?

Commit Analytics uses machine learning algorithms to optimize athletic performance. Big Data!

LIA Diagnostics has designed a better pregnancy test by women, for women!
https://youtu.be/dcljzOM21HQ

Root is a connected indoor planter that grows plants with the swipe of your finger.  They presented and were hightailing it on the next train to DC for some 420 event? Cool!

Forecastr measures the most passionate and committed fans who watch content on their own schedule. Bye Bye Neilesen and Hello social media.  Did I mention that they’re already in talks with Viacom?

LocoRobo is truly genius using robots to introduce kids to programming. Smart!
https://player.vimeo.com/video/108736278

Stay Wanderful is an incentive engine that increases hotel revenues by driving direct bookings. Savings!

Igloohome is an innovative smart home solution for short term rentals. Efficient!

WhoseYourLandlord is to landlords what Yelp is to just about everything one can review.  Watch out slump lords!

Bungalow these guys were great but went last and talked about insurance so pardon my lack of…

By the time it was over, my brain was on total tech overload so I decided to unwind and take in some history starting at my favorite fountain in Philadelpiha if not the entire USA…

The Swann Memorial Fountain aka the Fountain of the Three Rivers, is a sculpture located in the center of Logan Circle.  The fountain, by Alexander Stirling Calder designed with architect Wilson Eyre, memorializes Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society.

A truly great day of many firsts!

Have a quick question about Philly Tech Week? Tweet them @PhillyTechWeek or #ptw15 for a quick answer!

Have a quick question for me? Tweet me @AlyaIS

Alya