In talking with people in technical fields, day-to-day verbiage can sometimes come across to the layman as robotic jargon. That’s when the interpreter comes into play.

When SemperCon’s CEO described his work as “cloud-based,” it took some dissecting to understand his reference to the Internet.

SemperCon first appeared on StartPhilly at the beginning of the year, with a contribution by President and CEO, Rick O’Brien.

O’Brien started this software development enterprise for young startups or already established companies. SemperCon works closely with its clients to build web-based and mobile Internet applications that leverage its motto of “always connected,” “cloud computing” capabilities.

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Imagine never having to ask for separate checks at a restaurant, or splitting the bill, four ways, with credit.

An innovative pair thought of it first.

Iqram Magdon-Ismail and his partner, Andrew Kortina, found a way to quickly and easily transfer money, amongst friends, co-workers and whomever, without handling cash or IOU’s (I owe yous).

Venmo, (a combination of the words “vendor” and “mobile”) is a website dedicated to helping people transfer money in a method that is quick, easy and paperless.

“We built it because we had a problem,” said Ismail.

“We had no way of exchanging money with each other, except for cash and checks.”

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Mike Astringer and his team of consultants are here to help small businesses get on their feet. For many start-ups, challenges early-on include tasks of hiring, organizing and developing a market base. Herein lies a solution to many of these initial road blocks facing many small businesses across the U.S.

Astringer founded Human Capital Consultants in 2005, with 16 years of experience serving clients within the realm of the Internet, computer software, consulting, telecommunications, marketing, casino gaming, health care and more.

“Start-ups need to hire,” said Astringer.

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Avencia CEO Robert Cheetham may be among few who shatter the early-on business model stereotype. Ask Cheetham if a healthy dose of venture capital is needed for your start-up, and he will say no.

Avencia, founded in 2000, is a software development firm that specializes in web-based geographic analysis, visualization and modeling applications. Its areas of expertise include cultural resources, land conservation, economic development, real estate, political analysis, law enforcement and government, among others.

“We grew from working out of my apartment to about 25 people today,” said Cheetham. “Not only have we grown, but we’re making it through a tough economy.”

“We were bootstrap. We didn’t have any venture capital. We grew based on revenue and cash flow.”

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