Open Coffee, with a Greek flavour

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I’ve just been swapping emails with Dimitris Athanasiadis (Exec Board member on Openfund) about the launch of their Fourth Round of funding for new start-up companies. Dimitris also runs Open Coffee Greece, so I guess it was natural to reach out to the other international Open Coffee groups to promote Openfund.

Of course you may want to relocate to Greece if you’re successful at applying to Openfund, especially as they start in Jan for 5 months. Their technical advisers reflect the European and International nature of start-ups, and its a pretty impressive line up that would help accelerate just about any venture proposition.

Some facts about the fund from their launch post:

Specifically, the range of funding is almost doubled to €30.000-50.000 up from €25.000-35.0000, while keeping the equity at 15%. Also based on a significant number of additions to our advisor board, we are now able to provide much more mentoring time and networking to all projects.

You have until 30 November to apply and the decisions will be made on 10 Jan, with a 5 month incubation programme starting right afterwards. If you’re interested:

You may apply today by filling the form here. You are also encouraged to take a close look at our process, the FAQ and best practices before proceeding with your application.

Our own Open Coffee will be meeting as usual next Tues, 2 Nov from about 8.30am in the Boston Teaparty on Park St.

3D mobile futures

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Who ever comes along to an Open Coffee, it’s always a really interesting discussion that emerges. This morning was no different, after introductions we landed on the topic of 3D applications on mobile devices.

We quickly worked through some background examples of ARG games that had used 3D effects on Gizmondo devices (before the company imploded) and the use of QR codes to trigger ‘Princess Leia’ type animations. Lenticular displays were included as a passive 3D display technology with obvious application in advertising.

In addition to the polarised light sources, we also discussed some of the more subtle (and less technological) approaches to producing 3D or 3D-like effects that could be used in gaming / media / advertising. Lots of ideas for using these and for building on Bristol’s creative industries as show case exemplars.

We also talked about social media monitoring, iPhone/Android apps, programming languages, and how the business models for those are evolving.

Lots of great discussions and ideas, hope to see you all in a fortnight at the Boston Teaparty.

Lots of new people at Open Coffee

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Thanks to everyone that came along to this morning’s Open Coffee. Despite having to crowd around the tables a bit it was great to see so many new faces.

I missed a lot of the discussion at the far end of the table between Stephen (@stephenmaudsley), Greg, Nick (@nicksturge), Matt (@PRBristolblog) and Andy, but Bob, Christine, Nigel (@nigellegg), Andrew and myself had a good discussion around hydrogen fuel-cells & alternative fuels, managing multiple websites & social media monitoring. There were also discussions around the future of Local Enterprise Partnerships and what that might (or might not) mean for people around the tables.

We had a few people on holiday and forgetting their bike locks, but a really good turn out. If I didn’t catch your twitter name and you’d like a shout-out, let me know in the comments.

Look forward to seeing everyone again on 24 Aug, same time (8.30am), same place (Boston Teaparty).

<Updated with links to ppl’s twitter accounts>

Open Coffee next Tues 10 Aug

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Just a quick note to remind everyone that we’re back in the Boston Teaparty on Park St from about 8.30am.

Last time the discussions ranged from the business model behind Groupon to fashion tips to monitoring social media for business intelligence. See you there for great coffee & great conversation!