TC50 - Local & Classifieds Marketplaces
redbeacon -helps local services connect with customers allowing them to select and make appointments online, order services, etc. They put the power into the consumers hands because services compete for business. They had a fun fake demo delivering 500 cupcakes to attendees. Marc Andreesen pointed out the chicken/egg issue - tough to get all the service providers involved before you have an audience.
Yext - enabling pay-per-action phone calls for local services, Yext Numbers is the local search monetization engine offering publishers money by turning their business listings into paid ads. More intensity from the team - launching their new system from the stage. The very engaged judges grilled them a bit but they handled it in stride.
localbacon - seeks to match job seekers and potential employers. Seekers pay to apply for jobs, employers post jobs for free - this model is supposed to enable job seekers to stand-out from other applicants and receive real-time updates about their applications. Employers get premium applicant tracking and recruiting tools. Reolof Botha thought there was great potential, flipping the market on it’s head.
RefMob - wants to help spread the word about referral programs increasing their reach and effectiveness. People share referral bonuses with others in their local social networks. More people are exposed to the potential bonus. Paul Graham liked it right away but wanted to know what industries would be the biggest opportunities - like professional services.
TheSwop.com - a resource exchange for startups - basically a modern-day bartering system. It helps start-ups reserve their precious cash while finding other companies or people who would be willing to swap services. As they describe: facilitating the exchange of favors.
MOTA Motors - geared at the private party used-car marketplace, they want to help car sellers and protects car buyers. They highlight key selling points and help the lister with their ad, then leverage social networks to spread the word. They partner with companies like AutoTrader.com and claim to “complete, not compete”.
Odesk & yourversion were the two demo-pit companies that got picked to present. Odesk, who matches developers with companies globally, has a robust new desktop tool for their customers. yourversion is a real-time discovery engine that lets you easily discover, share, and bookmark new, relevant web content tailored to your interests.
Feedback overall - Andreesen wants startups to focus more on distribution. Tony Hsieh didn’t see anything that will change the world. Paul Graham was impressed by the seriousness of the CEO’s/presenters but was surprised at how complete many products were already (rather than launching early on).
