What types of products are eligible to participate in FastPitch?

A. We're keeping it simple.  There are only two rules:

1) The product or service offering needs to be virtual worlds related. Now what does that mean?  It could mean a virtual world, a virtual world platform, virtual world software or a new service catering to virtual world users or virtual world companies.  Pitches can range from miniworlds to entertainment worlds to game focused worlds to 2D or 3D social networks to enterprise virtual worlds solutions. What constitutes a virtual world?  Sometimes that can be a difficult question to answer.  Wikipedia's Virtual World definition is a good place to start.

2) We only ask that the product offering you submit be new - either a new product or a significant new product feature of an existing product.

Q.  Are you limiting the size of company that can participate? Is it only open to startups?

A. No. Any company with a virtual worlds-related product can participate in FastPitch London. This could include a major media company introducing a virtual world to consumers or a startup with some fantastic new technology or a range of possibilities in between.

Q.  Are there any limitations to my FastPitch?

A. The stage will be yours for 5 minutes to showcase your product. You'll have a microphone, internet access and large screen monitors and sound. The rest is up to you. Just keep in mind there is no setup time.  You will need to walk up on stage, plug in your laptop (or game console or mobile device) and get going.

Q.  How will the judges decide who gets to FastPitch?

A. All the judges are either experts in virtual worlds or finance and investment. Judges are looking for the most innovative, ground-breaking products.

Q.  When will I be notified if my company is a FastPitch Finalist?

A. We plan to notify all companies as to whether or not they made the final cut by Friday, 19 September 2008. That way all finalists will have 30 days to refine and hone their 5-minute presentation.
UPDATED:  Due to the significant amount of products launched at our last show in Los Angeles in September we have extended the FastPitch London deadline.  Application deadline is now September 30, 2008. Finalists will be notified as soon as they are selected.

Q.  Will you really cut off Pitches at the 5-minute mark if a FastPitch goes over the time limit?

A. YES. We expect to hear FastPitches from many great companies, and it would be entirely unfair for one company to run long and use up another company's time. All presenting companies will be made well aware of the running time during the course of their presentation.  If the Pitch is not concluded at the close of the allotted 5 minutes, the a/v staff will darken the stage, turning off the sound and visuals, so we can move along to the next participant.

Q.  Will FastPitches be recorded on video and distributed online?

A. All FastPitches will be recorded on video and made available through intruders.tv and VirtualWorldsNews.com, the leading virtual worlds business news service.

Q.  How many companies will be chosen to FastPitch?

A. We'll try to fit in as many high quality companies as we can. 

Q.  Will I have a chance to rehearse my Pitch on stage prior to my public pitch?

A. Unfortunately we will not have time for everyone to do an onstage rehearsal.  All Pitching companies are encouraged to bring their own laptop configured and ready to go.  You will have time to check and make sure your laptop operates with the projection and a/v system prior to your Pitch. Pitching companies will be given check-in times prior to the show.

Q.  Do I have to pay to Pitch?

A. Presenting at FastPitch is free. There is a non-refundable £10 application fee. This fee is simply to process your application. Should you be selected as a finalist you will be granted one free conference pass (a £995 value) for your presenter. If you would like to bring additional team members to Virtual Worlds London they will have to register and pay the prevailing rate (minus a 10% FastPitch discount) at the time of their registration.

Q.  What if I want more than 5 minutes in front of Virtual World London attendees?

A. We cannot offer you any additional stage-time but Virtual Worlds London hosts two exhibit halls for both days (20-21 October 2008). A limited number of exhibit tables are available.  Lunch and all breaks take place in the exhibit halls. This is a great way to provide an extended demo of your product. Additionally, if you would like a larger-than-life presence at the show there are a number of sponsorship options also available.