Smart companies don't provide references because they can get into legal trouble for it. Even when a company does provide a reference, it's going to be impersonal and worthless.
Good references come from individuals. Some companies might prohibit their employees from providing references, out of the same legal concerns, but many have no policy. And when you're talking about a failed startup, there may no longer be any entity that's concerned. Either way, just get references from specific people you've worked with.
No one at a "job expo" gives a damn about references.
It sounds like you may be early in your career, and are putting too much weight on references. Your average employer never even asks for references, much less checks them. If your resume is one failed startup, you might want to put it on there and try to explain the situation, but if you've got other credentials and professional experience, you can just leave the position off entirely unless it's worth listing due to the duration of employment.
Saying anything negative can easily lead to a lawsuit (regardless of merit). This creates a reluctance to do anything more than confirm title and dates of employment.
Good references come from individuals. Some companies might prohibit their employees from providing references, out of the same legal concerns, but many have no policy. And when you're talking about a failed startup, there may no longer be any entity that's concerned. Either way, just get references from specific people you've worked with.
No one at a "job expo" gives a damn about references.
It sounds like you may be early in your career, and are putting too much weight on references. Your average employer never even asks for references, much less checks them. If your resume is one failed startup, you might want to put it on there and try to explain the situation, but if you've got other credentials and professional experience, you can just leave the position off entirely unless it's worth listing due to the duration of employment.