UK Web 2.0 going stateside

Smarta is all about encouraging entrepreneurs to collaborate and learn from each other. So when we heard about the launch of The Web Mission, we had to tell you about it.

The Mission will see 20 of the UK’s top web entrepreneurs jet out to Silicon Valley in April to build relationships with US companies and investors and explore opportunities for collaboration.

It’s backed by UKTI, Microsoft, Polecat, as well as Smarta partner Mark Your Mark, and is organised by networking extraordinaire Oli Barrett. The trip will take in Microsoft’s ‘Momentum’ event and the Web 2.0 expo, while Oli’s organised an agenda crammed with ‘must meet’ one-to-ones.

The application process will be filtered by UKTI, Mike Butcher from web 2.0 blog Techcrunch and entrepreneur Doug Richard. They’re looking for innovative companies with strong market potential, technology traction, commercial viability and strong management.

The trip’s heavily subsidised and successful companies will only pay a nominal fee towards flight and accommodation.

We think it sounds super. But don’t believe us, believe web vet Michael Smith, of Firebox, MindCandy and Second Chance Tuesday: “Europe is a growing hotbed of entrepreneurial talent and this initiative will greatly help accelerate that. This is a wonderful opportunity for both sides of the Atlantic to share ideas, make new contacts and forge alliances.”

The deadline to apply is midday on 29 February. Visit the website for more: www.webmission08.com