I still did not have the time to write my impressions on LeWeb3 conference.
One of the reasons was that TheMarker (equivalent on the Wall Street Journal in Israel) asked me to write an article for them about the event. It is available here in hebrew. I originally wrote it in English since i am unable to write in Hebrew and was graciously translated by Elise from Mindset (thanks to Eran for checking it also)
Here is the article. Below are my original notes in english on this wonderful events i am proud to have been involved in. Good read
ps: soon i'll share some notes on differences for writing for a newspaper and for a blog. interesting...
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If there was still a doubt that the Silicon Valley is no longer the only center of attention for the internet industry, then LeWeb3 conference is here to prove it. The event organized by French entrepreneurs Loic and Geraldine LeMeur was held in Paris last week and was attended by 1800 entrepreneurs, investors, bloggers and journalists from all around the world.
This conference, became in four years one the main European meeting for the internet industry and is the best place to take a pulse of this ever changing industry.
World class players came to share their vision: Evan Williams (Blogger, Twitter), Kevin Rose (Digg) and also European stars like Martin Varvasky (Fon) and Janus Friis (Skype) and many more. But the key session was lead by the world famous French designer Philippe Starck who surprised the audience with his unconventional conception of design and enchanted with his anticipation of a bionic minimalist world.
The level of energy during the conference was outstanding. It was not reflecting a feared but unlikely bubble but merely the sane interest in building real business opportunities. Some startups came in search for financing but there was a feeling that the industry is healthier and that a true economy is in place.
Israeli entrepreneurs understand the importance of Europe and they were well represented at the event. Out of 6 winners in the Startup competition 2 were Israeli (PlyMedia and Ghost). Europe with its hundreds of millions of surfers is becoming an important business playground for internet startups and a great alternative to America for many startups. Surprisingly investors were under represented especially Israeli investors still focused on America more than on Europe.
Israeli entrepreneurs and investor do not think enough of Europe as a first target market: Israel is only a few hours away from main European cities and we live nearly on the same clock, the Israeli melting pot is precisely an advantage to understand and address the multi-cultural European landscape where Americans usually fail. Finally business opportunities with an ecommerce market close to 20bn euros and an advertising market close to 7bn euros is attractive enough for so many startups (not mentioning the interest of having revenues in euros vs dollars)
LeWeb3 was also the opportunity to highlight some strong trends. The Web is becoming more social: Google is not the only center of attention anymore, Facebook and others are also on the top of the list. The Web is going mobile: The iPhone led the way, and 2008 will provide new generation of services built by startups, operators and manufacturers (and Google). Video will pursue its expansion outside the PC screen in our living rooms and on our phones. Games and virtual worlds are only at the beginning of a new era and will become more sophisticated and entertaining.
On internet there is not only one Promised Land. Although there won’t be success for all
cool thanks for your good words and help to make it happen :)
Posted by: Loic | 18 December 2007 at 02:57 PM