We wrapped up another BizSpark Incubation Week on Friday (in Atlanta, GA).  This time there were 7 startups participating (a record for Incubation Week!) 

The last few Incubation Weeks focused on optimizing for Windows 7.  This event targeting cloud computing solutions, leveraging Windows Azure.

We had a nice mix of startups in terms of solution types and company maturity (we’ll have the video interviews posted to Channel9 in a couple weeks):

• Izenda provides a self service business intelligence solution.  They had rich product capabilities and were a top contender for the business viability award.  Sanjay from Izenda started the BizSpark Atlanta Meetup and was one of the most poised presenters.
• FandomU has deep expertise in running enthusiast conventions (e.g., anime, scifi).  I could see how their social networking & event management offering could be compelling to those audiences.  I admire their commitment - their founder pulled an all-nighter the night before the judging.
• Linxter provides a management solution for the mid-market.  They had the most improved presentation – a remarkable change from the dry run.
• CoreMotives has a marketing automation offering that integrates with Dynamics CRM.  They won the Most Viable Business award.
• ChasingSavings provides simplified couponing.  Their differentiation of search engine discovery should serve them well.
• LessMeeting was the youngest startup (having only started a week prior to Incubation Week), but won the Technical Innovation award.  Their add-in to Outlook (and corresponding web presence) was compelling – everyone can relate to the need to run more efficient meetings.
• Eyemail provides video/audio streaming in context of email messages, resulting in more impactful customer (and internal) communications.

I appreciate the hard work the startups put in to maximize their results from Incubation week, as well as the Microsoft advisors, offshore team, and panel of judges in pulling off another successful BizSpark Incubation Week!