This morning, I attended Startup 2009, "Rising from the Ashes", an event put on by Business Insider in New York City. This was one of those deals where entrepreneurs get a few minutes to pitch to and get rated by a panel of VCs and pundits. The winner gets attention and a shot at a cash prize. As Business Insider puts it, "Startup 2009 will showcase 10 top startups competing for bragging rights, buzz, and a $50,000 prize." I decided it would be interesting to do an independent rating of the pitches and then compare my results to those of the wise ones. This, then, is my pick of the pack, and the only prize is a bit of attention. Soon, though, we'll find out who wins the real prize.

Sponsor

Here is how Business Insider laid out the rules and the prize:

"Hundreds of emerging online companies submitted applications to present at the conference. The top 10 were announced on Silicon Alley Insider and will present on stage at the conference and compete for a $75,000 grand prize.

Applying to the conference was free, and all companies that applied wer