Funny you should say that. I just posted a message in one of the Toronto forums that one of the ways a global community could support one another is a “tool suite” dedicated to making it all work together.

I think that’s the direction things will move in as people get to talking and start setting things up.

I know Ron Smith (Innovation Toronto) has been talking to other groups in the US and Germany about what might be done… I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of it all (and helping with it if I can squeeze another hour out of my 26 hour day).

http://www.broadstuff.com/archives/467-The-Future-of-Web-Apps-is……Silicon-Valley-FOWA-flashback.html

From Paul Graham’s view you can work out that London needs more of:

– A structured skill cluster in the city that forms a first market for startups
– Access to bold investors
– F2F contact networks that are “always on” and meritocratic
– Access to smart, ambitious people from wherever

To these I’d add (based on research I’ve seen elsewhere) top class universities, and living infrastructure that is Good for Geeks

I know its fashionable to think we are 80% of the way there, but having been in the valley I’d say its more like 33% still – though its getting better.

If we Londoners want to make this happen we need to put our shoulders to a number of wheels and get our collective arses in gear.

The other thing is we need to play to our cluster strengths – London is predominantly media, finance and services, not infrastructure or deep tech.

http://swt1.blogspot.com/

What generally came of it is that there is now a growing number of cities talking about organizing a different event more in tune with their own local culture but drawing on experience and providing support for one another world wide.

At this point I don’t know who is public about it, except that Burmingham (US) (who was originally setting up a Startup Weekend) has been somewhat vocal.

Is this a thing that happens!? Are there really start-up groupies!? How can one find these people who will jump into bed for a glimpse of your business plan, or who’ll throw underwear upon seeing a powerpoint slide of your 5 year revenue projections?

Suddenly all manner of horrible ideas/memories are flashing through my mind, not least of which involves a certain entrepreneur introducing himself to a young lady as his company’s CLO — Chief Lurve Officer.