Amin Zoufonoun will share his 7 years of Google experience about start-up success, failures, pitfalls and opportunities at XML: Global Media Ideas.

Q: What do you think will be the next big thing / game-changer in digital media that will attract investment dollars?

I believe the web will continue to be at the forefront of innovation.  As mobile devices provide richer web experiences, applications and even traditionally offline content move to the web, there will continue to be waves of successes as technologists develop new ways for people to interact with information and services online.

Q: How will the Asia Pacific market fare for tech investments for the next 18 months?

The world is more connected than ever, and the current financial crisis is a global one that affects everyone directly or indirectly.  Until we see continued stabilization throughout key markets and hopefully some surprises from emerging ones, it is difficult to say what will happen in the next 18 months.

Q: What is your approach for evaluating potential investments?

At the highest level, our focus is on user experience. We believe if we do what's right and what's needed for users, success will inevitably follow. As such, we look for technology, products, services, and people who can help us create better products and services to serve the global community of web users.

Q: Best advice you would give a start-up looking for growth capital?

There is so much to talk about here: when, with whom, how much, why/why not, how to structure. My best advice is for entrepreneurs to seek the advice of seasoned and successful entrepreneurs who have faced similar situations to avoid a costly mistake. It is sometimes difficult to turn down money, but sometimes that's the right thing to do. On the other hand, sometimes one needs to raise when there isn't an apparent need. The art of raising capital is just that: an art.  As such, it should not be taken lightly as when/from whom/how much/how money is raised affects many aspects of the company going forward.

Q: What will your focus of your keynote presentation at Global Media Ideas is this year?

My focus will be on where we've been and seem to be going on the web - how much work there is still to do in old and new areas, as well as what start-ups should understand (about corporate investment/ M & A) and do to position themselves for success.

Q: What experiences and skills will you be sharing with your ‘Lab’ mentoring projects at Global Media Ideas?

Having spent 7 years at Google in a role that has enabled to be at the forefront of strategy and innovation both internally and externally, I would like to share my experiences concerning start-up success, failures, pitfalls and opportunities.

Amin Zoufonoun is an International Mentor and Keynote Speaker at X|Media|Lab: Global Media Ideas @ The Sydney Opera House, 18th - 20th June.

You can register for the Pro-Day Conference on Friday 18th June @ The Sydney Opera House here

You can nominate your brilliant digital media project idea for The Lab here