So former Ask.com CEO Jim Lanzone just launched his new company, Clicker. It’s like a TV Guide for online video, and the experts named it as one of their favorite companies they saw today. I like Lanzone, but I had to ask: Does a company with a well-known CEO and $8 million already in the bank really need to win our $50,000 prize?
His answer and more about why he’s jumping back into the start-up fray and his “divorce” from Barry Diller on the video clip on the jump.
So much for not becoming like the entertainment business. $8M do not need to hog the prize away from guys that can really use it. The only reason why most people like it is because this guy has been successful in the past, not saying his new start up is not good.
But then again if the guy is willing to roll up his sleeves and build bricks from the bottom, then I guess he is more un-hollywood.
Which is it? Make up your mind or shut the pie hole.
“Yes, but then again no.”
One obvious answer to your question is that Lanzone realizes that the exposure generated from TC50 is more valuable than the cash.
What were the criteria for a company to apply to TC50???
I went to http://www.techcrunch50.com but the page has been updated.
Anyone?
The bigger question: Is this guy really good at building companies? I’d say that his record is mixed at best. He clearly did a bad job of gaining market share with Ask.com, even though they had a massive marketing budget.
“Does a company with a well-known CEO and $8 million already in the bank really need to win our $50,000 prize?”
No but he might want the publicity.
Indeed，and instead of just ignoring him, Sarah gives him free publicity. Congrats! Great reporting!
don’t underestimate the value of being co-opted.
Makes sense….definitely a good service.
I guess being the winner at TC50 brings in free press and more credibility
Why was this company and Penn and Teller at this show for unlaunched and unfunded startups? I think these were 2 wasted spaces in the lineup that should have gone to true startups.
wouldnt it be pretty stupid of him not to get the publicity on techcrunch? i mean, the readership of techcrunch is probably the exact group of people he wants to be the first users of clicker and if they take it up en masse, its pretty much guaranteed to be a fairly significant site.
the 50k, might not sound like alot, but the vast amount of free, highly targetted advertising on this site, probably adds a zero to the prize.
and yes i hate the fact that i just complimented every reader on here to.
offtopic: Barry Diller has a funny name.
Diller is danish for cock/penis
this seems like an idea is search of a customer base instead of an idea that will clearly solve problems for customers.
“Does a company with a well-known CEO and $8 million already in the bank really need to win our $50,000 prize?”
Why don’t you guys ask yourself that question, instead of putting it off on him?
Wait was he the comb over…err I mean the comb down guy presenting?
TC well you did approve his CO as a finalist, maybe you should ask the group that approved it!
sounds like he just got $60,000 of PR
article via same cliché misconception over, no distinction between human and error
The bigger question should be does a company already making $20mil annually (Yext) need $50,000?
What exactly has this guy ever been successful at? Name one thing with clear metrics of success….. you can’t.
And “divorce”?? He was one of MANY empty suits at IAC who was simply killed by political battles with even more clueless banker / corporates in nyc.
Calling people out for being a jerk? What is this Valleywag?
Let’s try to get more interesting news please