Got an idea? We’ve got a new launching pad

Let’s say you have thought up a genius idea: a new way to advertise, to network, to save the world. How will you launch it into cyberspace?

Digital media means anyone with an Internet connection can be an entrepreneur or media-maker. But while anyone may have an innovative idea, not everyone has the business know-how for a successful launch.

Because tomorrow’s media landscape will be populated by the inspired thinkers of today, iFOCOS is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with LaunchBox Digital, an early-stage investment firm in Northern Virginia. The two are partnering to accelerate the creation and development of new-media ventures. Here’s how it’s going to work:

First of all, LaunchBox Digital’s co-founder, John McKinley, will serve as a judge for the “Pitch It” session at the We Media Miami conference, to be held on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 27. John brings an almost scary amount of experience to this task: Most recently a founder, president and chief technology officer of AOL’s Digital Services, he helped launch a number of award-winning businesses. Before that, he served as a senior tech-exec at both Merrill Lynch and GE Capital; he also advises or is a board member of Powerset, Xoopit, Foundation Capital, ObectVideo and Nuconomy. If John wasn’t such a nice guy, we might say he’ll be the Simon Cowell of our “Pitch It” panel.

Second, and probably most interesting for the entrepreneurs out there, is the best idea to emerge from the pitch session is guaranteed “finalist” status in the competition to participate in LaunchBox08, a 12-week business-accelerator program in Washington, D.C., where 6 to 10 companies will each receive a $15,000-to-$30,000 investment, mentorship from world-class advisors and exposure to investors. In other words, LaunchBox08 the closest thing a media entrepreneur can find to a golden ticket.

Here’s what iFOCOS’s Andrew Nachison has to say:

Our conference pitch sessions have been very popular, giving entrepreneurs a chance to get instant feedback from experienced investors. Partnering with LaunchBox takes this goal even further, pushing beyond advice to action.

And from Matt Jacobson, LaunchBox Digital’s executive director:

LaunchBox08 is a platform for entrepreneurs to launch new technology businesses. Partnering with iFOCOS will enhance our pool of new media applicants and broaden our global reach.

So hone that presentation for We Media Miami’s “Pitch It” session: because the stakes just got a lot higher. (And I promise to refrain from any more American Idol references.)