LAS VEGAS - SILICON VALLEY IN THE DESERT?

LAS VEGAS - TECH PRESENCE IN THE DESERT?

Las Vegas has a long way to go before it's tech industry reaches a critical mass. It lacks the
Stanford-size intellectual push that helped Silicon Valley become the hub it is today.

But Las Vegas may be able to carve a niche itself, says Zappos executive Rick Duggan, who
mentors local tech startups in his spare time.

"Vegas is something completely different. I liken us to the Austin Texas of the world, or Boulder,
Colorado, cities that are small but who have a tech presence."

"I don't think the first thing on someone's mind when they think of Vegas is to be tech. Gaming
and Tourism are first. But if someone thinks of Gaming and Tourism and Tech that would be a
victory."

Las Vegas is fostering a home-grown tech community, but the city also has a few benefits that could draw
startups away from the San Francisco area.

"Startups are often dealing with the problem of limited funding, and the fact that Vegas is a very
low cost place to live in the West is a very big draw", said Stephan Brown, Director of the Center for
Business and Economic Research at UNLV in Las Vegas."

Zappos is also a draw. Romotive co-owner Keller Rinaudo has credited CEO Tony Hsieh's vision
for downtown with attracting his company to Las Vegas. Zappos could easily spawn offshoots like
App and software development firms or even competing online retailers.

Vegas tech is still in it's infancy. So is Rumgr (the garage sale app). The startup's next step is marketing.
They hired a public relations agency and plan to take the App nationwide.

Rumgr also last week launched a new version of it's app which allows buyers to submit a more formal
bid on items. The app is offered free on iTunes.

The company hasn't yet implemented a way to make money from the app but may do so late this year.