"Obviously as the person who came up with the idea for TechCrunch50 and pitched Mike on doing a “no fee to pitch” event I’m 100% against what Loic is doing. Forcing people to pay corrupts the entire “competition”–it turns it into the “best of the people who can buy their way on stage.” Loic is a good person and he should drop the fee and give one person a free ticket. If a second person wants to come, well, let them pay. That seems fair to me. … of course, what do I know… I’m just a guy from the bottom who made and is unwilling to forget what it’s like to struggle. Loic is very successful, rich and connected…. he’s lost his way IMO."
- Jason Calacanis