One of the worst keep secrets in Los Angeles tech is finally ready for public viewing. We have received notice that the much celebrated Twiistup brand is changing hands. Conference founder Mike Macadaan (disclosure: a colleague) started Twiistup and quickly turned it into THE Los Angeles tech event.
A few years ago I attended my first Twiistup, it was a very small and intimate event. Each event grew and grew, until Twiistup 5 got so big that we partied in a private hanger at Santa Monica Airport. The event is a timeline for LA’s own tech resurgence; Evolving as the community took on a life of its own.
Look for Twiistup to continue with it’s success. We wish Francisco Dao the best of luck and look forward to seeing where he takes this amazing brand.
The entire press release is below.
Also check out the coverage over on Read Write Web by Jolie O’Dell.
Twiistup Snapped Up By Private Investor
Cash Infusion to Fuel Expansion
Los Angeles, CA – May 5, 2009 – Twiistup, Southern California’s premier event, showcasing innovation from the worlds of technology, media and entertainment, has taken on new ownership under a private investor for an undisclosed amount. Twiistup will expand beyond its trademark “Showoff” competition and signature evening event to include a full conference agenda and help seed similar event models in other cities.
Two years ago, Mike Macadaan created Twiistup to showcase the unique talents, technology and community in Southern California. Twiistup quickly became the area’s flagship technology event and its prominence has grown beyond SoCal. Companies from around the world submit for consideration to be one of 10 lucky “Showoffs” to demo wares to attendees; events consistently sell out with an extensive waitlist; and it’s a common occurrence to spot top online influencers who make a special trip to LA just to attend.
“The groundswell of community support for Twiistup in other states, let alone Los Angeles, has been incredible to watch and it’s the driving reason Twiistup’s reputation has spread so far and wide,” said Mike Macadaan, Founder of Twiistup. “People from New York, Colorado, Miami, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, and even Switzerland have reached out wanting to create a similar experience to help bring their communities together. I’m thrilled that Twiistup will get the dedicated time and focus it needs to become bigger and even better.”
“Twiistup had expanded from a small grassroots local event to one of the most well regarded regional showcases for tech and media. This investment allows us to carry out Mike’s vision of adding a full conference agenda to the famed evening event and making it more of a national draw,” said new Twiistup Producer, Francisco Dao, a LA-based entrepreneur who will be taking over day-to-day management.
