Local start-up companies use CES as opportunity
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- More than 140,000 "techies" are descending on Las Vegas this week to view the latest and greatest in gadgets. This year's Consumer Electronics Show -- better known as CES -- kicks-off Tuesday.
As the final preparations are made for the world's biggest technology trade show, some start-up companies got to debut their products and services a few days early at Mandalay Bay. Many of them are hoping to make an impression with the CES crowd.
About 20 emerging consumer technology start-ups filled the Foundation Room Sunday night to showcase their innovations. Pocket-sized speakers that double as a projectors to watch TV and movies, and nano technology that protects any phone from water damage, are just some examples.
"CES offers opportunities for smaller sub-shows like this," says Alex Rivlin, one of the founders of insuremonkey.com. "It gives us the opportunity to display our technology, without having to go through the major costs."
Insuremonkey.com is a comprehensive website that allows users to shop for the health insurance that best suits their needs. It was just voted one of the most promising companies by Forbes magazine. It's based in Las Vegas.
"There's a lot of benefits to starting a company here," Rivlin says. "The inexpensive cost of living and of renting a storefront. Plus, there are alot of people here that are looking for work, so it's a great job market for us."
Walls360 is another successful local start-up. The company prints anything digital -- including video game graphics and art -- and brings it to walls in the real world. Virtual stickers that are removable and reusable.
"We also found that it's really beneficial to be based in Las Vegas," says one of the founders of Walls360 Tavia Campbell. "There's tax incentives and a skilled workforce ready for jobs. Plus, a lot of people come through here a few times per year for conventions. For work, or for play. So, you get a lot of exposure. It's a great time to be a start-up company here."
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