Startup Leaders hosts second annual Founder Factory to mixed reaction

Founder Factory audience members were given a chance to offer advice, along with panelists, to startups like language-learning tool PlaySay.

More than 250 gathered throughout the day for the second annual Founder Factory, a sold-out gathering of entrepreneurs, investors and students organized by Philly Startup Leaders at World Cafe Live in University City Thursday.

The event was a chance for business-minded folks to gather, discuss, dissect and learn about the work they are doing throughout the spheres of startups, education and investing.

Presenters from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Wharton Business School, Internet Capital Group, myYearbook and Monetate were rotated with fishbowl sessions— where young startups pitch their idea to experienced business people for advice—each ushered onto the stage to red and blue stage lighting and dramatic rock and jazz music.

During the afternoon, 150 attendees listened to entrepreneurial conversations while seated at long dining tables in front of the stage, standing at the bar, or gazing down from the mezzanine level, while a handful mingled in a nondescript lobby.
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Technically Not Tech: Jack Broomall of 2Wheels2Alaska

Jack Broomall is nearly halfway in his journey to Alaska for charity. Photo courtesy of 2wheels2alaska.com

Just like many residents of the Philadelphia area, Jack Broomall made it a point to visit the Jersey Shore this week. Not because he wanted to work on his tan or to relax. On the contrary, Broomall waded into the Atlantic Ocean up to his ankles to kick off his 10,000-mile coast-to-coast motorcycle ride for charity.

“We took some pictures and tweeted to the world that the ride begins here and now,” Broomall said.

The retired auto engineer and Malvern native is taking the next few weeks and cycling to Wasilla (Yes, that Wasilla), Alaska on his 2009 BMW F650GS in the name of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The charity was created by two doctors who are fellow bikers and friends of Broomall who lost a child to brain cancer when he was only nine weeks old. Read their story on the foundation’s Web site.

“I have the opportunity to do it, so I’m doing it and I can bundle it with a charity I care about a great deal,” he said.

With the help of some sponsors, including local bike retailer Revzilla, the trip has raised “several thousand dollars”, and is nearing Broomall’s initial goal of five.

After the jump learn how Revzilla is aiding the cause, find out the tech Broomall is using to stay connected and find out how you can help and donate to the cause.
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RevZilla can hardly meet demand after segmenting and interacting with its customers

Like many small businesses, RevZilla had humble beginnings. The company’s original “business plan” was written on the back of a napkin and discussed among three friends who were between jobs.

Two years later, RevZilla.com is a premiere online destination for motorcycle and dirt bike gear and the company is racing to scale with the increase in orders. Recently, the company has redesigned its Web site, implemented what it learned from the past behavior of customers, and incorporated social media tools into its marketing; all from a warehouse in South Philly where it’s located.

“Philly is an interesting town to start a start up in,” said co-founder Anthony Bucci. Bucci believes that the entrepreneurial culture in the city has taken off in the past few years, crediting First Round Capitol and Philly Startup Leaders as examples.

After the jump, learn how RevZilla finds its best customers through Twitter and discover why shoe retailer Zappos has more to do with dirt bikes than you may think.

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