Software Shortlist off to Silicon Valley

Good news. We’re off to Silicon Valley to explore opportunities for Software Shortlist in the US market and to pitch the business to an audience of industry experts. It’s all part of the ANZA Gateway to the US Summit.

While we’re there, we are setting aside time to meet with executives from organisations interested in partnering with us.

There are still some slots available if you’d like to meet. We are seeking partners to help us reach a large number of small businesses. In return, we can offer a range of benefits, including useful content, discounted access to services, co-promotion opportunities, and more. Sound interesting? Let’s talk…

Our recent press release about the trip is below:

Software Shortlist will soon be exploring inroads to the US market through ANZA Technology Network’s Gateway to the US Summit.

Culminating in a 3 day event in Silicon Valley in early October, the ANZA Gateway to the US program helps connect innovative Australian companies with potential investors and business partners in the world’s largest market.

As its name suggests, Software Shortlist helps small businesses make better software choices by providing a shortlist of relevant options.  Their online software comparison service dramatically reduces the time and money that businesses spend choosing software.

Software Shortlist co-founders Craig Westcott and Xavier Russo will both attend the event, which includes a five minute pitch and various networking sessions and business forums.

“Making a major impact in the US is a top priority for us. The US is home to many leading software companies and over 25 million small businesses,” said Craig Westcott.

While in Silicon Valley, the two founders have set aside time to meet with executives from organisations that are interested in partnering with Software Shortlist.

“We will be talking with organisations that reach large numbers of small businesses and want to help them boost productivity by applying the right software,” said Xavier Russo.

The Software Shortlist team will be in Silicon Valley from 3rd to 11th October. To arrange a meeting or to find out more, please email partners@softwareshortlist.com.

About Software Shortlist

Software Shortlist helps small businesses choose the right software. Services include a free software directory, online software recommendation and comparison tool, articles and publications, and independent software selection consulting. Software Shortlist gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government’s “Commercialising Emerging Technology” (COMET) program. For more information, please visit www.softwareshortlist.com

About ANZA Technology Network

ANZA Technology Network is the leading independent organization connecting the Australian, New Zealand and US technology and biotechnology sectors. Through its Gateway and Fast Track to the US programs ANZA has assisted hundreds of Australian and New Zealand companies as they enter the US market—more than any other non-government organization. For more information: http://www.anzatechnet.com/

A COMET-sized boost for 2009

Trigora has just been awarded a $70,000 grant for SoftwareShortlist.com, as part of the Commercialising Emerging Technology (COMET) program.

COMET is a competitive, merit based program that supports individuals, early-growth stage and spin off companies to improve their potential for successful commercialisation of their innovation.  It is administered by AusIndustry (part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) with support provided through a network of private sector COMET business advisors.

Obviously we’re very pleased about this!

The COMET  grant will accelerate our efforts with SoftwareShortlist.com, enabling us to tap into expertise in key areas of the business. We will initially focus on market research and validation studies, in collaboration with selected partners and suppliers. And the timing is perfect, with our beta launch due at the start of February.

The COMET grant also means we are well placed to extend upon our IP strategy.  Working with Duncan Bucknell we have lodged provisional patent applications in Australia and the US – but we can now proceed confidently with the full (PCT) patent applications, wider trademark protection, and other IP issues.

Trigora is also assembling an advisory board to raise our governance standards,  give us access to expert input, and challenge our thinking with fresh perspectives. Plus co-founders Craig and Xavier will participate in the ANZATECH Gateway to the US program, culminating in a 3 day summit in Silicon Valley in October.

So, a big thanks from us to AusIndustry, the Australian Government, and of course our COMET business advisor Jim Paulyshyn. It’s going to be a big year!