Ask HN: Is there a "street-team" for startups?

Yes, we at Room 77 have been thinking of doing some street team outreach at various events and conferences where we can show people their hotel room before they check-in and wow them on the spot. I think if you just randomly go out to a mall or downtown with t-shirts and stickers, most people will take it but have no intention on checking it out (who doesn't love free stuff right?). Know your audience.

Didn't this go out of fashion after the first bubble burst, leaving warehouses full of branded swag that no-one wanted?

Unless you are engaging with your target market, this is probably not the most efficient marketing technique. I could see it working in some cases though (e.g. outside a competitors conference, where you know 90% of the people who pass will be interested in your startup).