SXSW Day Three Recap: Equity, Entrepreneurship, and Immersive Entertainment | Blog

From Lizzo to immersive storytelling data science and the environmental impacts of NFTs, today we've spent lots of time focusing on entrepreneurship and equity. What we learned during SXSW Day 3:

Equity and New Ideas

Our day began by having Ann Mei Chang, CEO of Candid We were able to talk her through the use of data to increase racial equality, particularly within the nonprofit sector. She laid out the current landscape, where many have called for justice, however, there isn't any real commitment to change. While the racial reckoning in 2020 generated a lot of desire however, the burden of that desire has been disproportionally placed on the nonprofit sector (and typically BIPOC-owned non-profits) to provide that data (let be it alone, then transform this data into action).

Naturally, it couldn't be SXSW without the speaker presenting solutions that they're currently working on. That's where Candid comes in. While Chang highlighted the major issues of the reliance on a limited network, missing and siloed dataand the immense burden on nonprofits, Candid brings together data on non-profits and data on foundations and giving to provide an "unparalleled view on the sector's social aspects." They use open data sources from the IRS, real-time data sources like social media, and data shared with their organization to expand collective understanding rather than continuing to bog down non-profits with traditional methods of data aggregation.

In the meantime, at the panel on Funding for the Next Generation of Diverse Founders, the Startup Alliance's Jesse Martinez, Denise Hamilton of WatcHerWork as well as Felix Chevalier took on the issue of the funding gap in VC, and what we can do about it. Jesse gave helpful advice to help you get into the industry, specifically to those where the hurdle seems to be very high. And it begins at events like SXSW. If you aren't able to afford a ticket, go to the events that are free, or even better, volunteer! He noted when he volunteered and was an Speaker Escort and he was amazed when he found himself walking alongside some of the most pivotal minds, who can influence the direction of his career.

When discussing that moment when you move from creative or specialist in your field to business owner. Denise explains: "you may be technically competent in your area of expertise, but being an owner of a business is a entirely different set of skills." All in all They emphasized the necessity of education , being a learner of both the craft and "the games." It is also important of ensuring you are scaffolded by the best talent. No one person can do everything, but knowing your weaknesses can help you decide who to employ or hire as a guide to get your through.

They also discussed the topic of the pandemic. They also discussed which is how they feel that the Great Resignation has given way to the Great Renegotiation, where we're experiencing new levels of distribution for investment as well as the concept of entrepreneurship. These investors were also aware of the importance of being capable of coaching and possessing a great pitch deck that is concise (no over 15 slides) and has excellent grammar.

The Future of Story

We then walked over to our next destination, the Creative Expo, which is something like a convention center of innovation and new ideas. Visit booths and exhibits with new concepts for startups, NFT art, and merchandise to fuel your retail therapy.

At the event of the Next Stage, we watched Breeder Ventures founder Zach Johnson host a panel discussion with creative engineers, technologists, and storytellers to discuss the future of storytelling and immersive entertainment . contribution that the economy of the creator plays and the ways in which technology could be used to help tell stories.

Panelists also discussed the ideas we've been excavating throughout web3 and the ways shared ownership can become the new frontier in entertainment. In essence, what does you need to do to turn the current linear model of entertainment and build fanbases through shared ownership before you launch the first entertainment project?

Being inspired and ready to explore and grow We walked straight towards the Convention Center for the one and only Lizzo

Keynote Speaker: Lizzo

What is there to say about the icon and huge talent that is Lizzo? To use her words Lizzo is absolutely and she is a ****.

In the lead up to her show's launch, Lizzo entered stage right and started her presentation with an emotional confession. this was her dream come to life. The stage of SXSW to be a real achievement, and having her own improvised show for it.

She spoke about her new Amazon Prime show, a reality show that follows the search for dancers who can backup for her show. "I need big girls much more than I required a TV show. Ever since 2014, I've been able to find an open call for females who look like me. I haven't seen myself reflected on dancers." So her concept was born due to necessity, to recruit more dancers in order to support her growing touring schedule.

Lizzo discussed the extent to which we've progressed in the way we talk about body positivity and body image, and still the long road to travel with regards to body representation. "Big girls have always had worth. Just by being me and being super talented and famous and unique I have shown the world I am valuable and worthy. I didn't need to prove that to nobody"I am just me."

Lizzo hopes to bring that wide to all girls who want to be big. The first step was from the moment she entered the room at SXSW. She made everyone in the room say to them, to who was next and also to Lizzo herself, a mantra that she repeats in her mirror whenever she's in need: I love you. You're beautiful. You're able to do anything.

In addition, Lizzo revealed that right after SXSW Lizzo is headed home to record an album she's finished ("it's very good") as well as the possibility of a tour coming up. We've got it on record: there's more Lizzo to be seen.

Innovation and the Embrace of Imperfection

In the meantime, Mark Cuban and the founders of Bala started a conversation on social media with Internet king Tinx on startup mistakes (learnings) and successes.

"Follow your Passion" is a lie. Follow your curiosity.    mark cuban

This same notion was elaborated further by Marc Lore in his session on moonshots and venture capitalism. Marc Lore, a serial entrepreneur, discussed his own experience, the projects he's most interested in, as well as how the path to success has led him. If you're in search of the quickest productivity hacks, here's Marc's: respond promptly to all emails and texts.

Social and environmental impact of Blockchain and NFTs

There is so much creativity and new ideas, few panels have addressed the potential to use this new technology to make significant change around the globe. However, Chris Carnabucci was one of many panel members who served as a case study for doing just this. The sculptures he created were only the tactile space until the year that was to come. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, he recreated Floyd's bust in his trademark sculpture style. Then, when Terrence Floyd heard about the project and was moved by the recreation, they collaborated on a sculpture that was revealed in June of 2021 at Flatbush Junction. The two joined forces to create Seeinjustice which is an NFT collection created using the FLOW blockchain, with the proceeds going towards the Floyd Foundation and other partners for meaningful progress in the ongoing struggle for justice in racial equity.

What's next on the horizon at SXSW...

This concludes the third day of SXSW! Tomorrow we have many more panels to look forward to that will focus on policies for creators in the"creative economy" and our very personal SXSW Innovation Awards, honoring the most innovative ideas from the festival. We'll also be catching up on Amy Webb's 2022 Emerging Tech Trend Report and recapping all of it here for you. Stay tuned.