I`m not sure what % of companies go there for funding and what % go there for fun and show. If you want $ for funding and you have something to show you have much better chances through private meetings with investors.
He is absolutely right. Shark Tank is a show. Startup is a business. If you are in showbiz and looking for fun you should go there. Otherwise focus on customers.
Amazon mobile is "just" started and does not have all Parse features, especially DB UI. Firebase is a DB in the cloud AFAIK. I`m trying a few thing for now and would wait a couple weeks to see different data points.
Better why? The best value for not accepted application is the time you spent on formulation ideas in your head and trying to make it simple/clear/interesting and of course worth money.
Sure, try to finds twitter/facebook/blog/video/presentation activities. And do some research about discussed topic. Then your "cold" email will be much more "worm".
foe example : "Hey Jeff, I read you latest blog about BART strike and I agree that we need to increase number on car-pool lines when something like that happens in Bay Area I made a simulation that it will decrease bla bla bla... "
If "Jeff" answers, you will have an amazing chance for a personal conversation.