There’s been a lot of talk about That Startup Show lately, 45 minute YouTube webisodes that cover the startup scene with host Dan Ilic taking on a Wil Anderson style like The Gruen Transfer and bringing it all together fairly well.
I like it, but I do think its a bit over the top, and quite studiously a copy of The Gruen Transfer, which works for advertising, but possibly not for Aussie startups.
The first episode tried to answer the continuing question of what is a “Startup”, which all present semi agreed on; that it needed tech to make it scalable and therefore a ‘startup”. Attributes such as innovative, disruptive, product not a service, a state of mind and monetising a business model were also bandied around. Then ironically one of the three ‘startups’ they had pitching was a tonic syrup for drink flavouring. Go figure how that fits the category just discussed!
In the second episode, Oxygen Ventures Managing Director Ilya Frolov looks decidedly uncomfortable for most of the show, scared of having his hair messed up and then getting a bucket of mints poured over his head. Meanwhile AngelCube Founder, Adrian Stone had one eye on the show and one eye on the bar.
One thing I do like, Rambotia Jones taking the mickey out of futurists and thought leaders, his definition is Think Captain, much better!
Matt Beeche of Startup Daily says he is no Margaret Pomeranz or David Stratton but gave the first episode 4 ½ stars. I welcome the effort of the creators, the slickness of the production, the raising of the profile of the Australian startup scene, and for a bit of a laugh. I give it 4 out of 5 for covering my favourite topic.
For your viewing pleasure, here is the teaser and episodes to date. What do you think? Leave your comments below…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcU9xBzGhak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yMJ9uTIbGs
