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Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

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Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#11

Post by rblion »

henryci wrote: post #6

I'm a TS Boston '09 grad. TS bills itself as a family or fraternity for entrepreneurs. Once you get through the program you have friends to relax with, colleagues to bounce ideas off, and mentors to guide you through the many stages of your career still ahead. Whenever I go to events around the country I always check the roster and hope some TS teams will be there so we can meet up. As TS has grown I've been able to…

Thanks a lot for the great advice.

I will start working on that application NOW. I really think TS NYC will be an amazing experience, NYC seems to be the hotter city right now for innovation. I will probably apply to YC too.

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#12

Post by rblion »

LogicX wrote: post #4

TechStars has a new feature at http://ask.techstars.org/ designed to answer a lot of these questions. I was involved in TechStars Boston '09 as a technical mentor and fell in love with the program. Joined with a company in TechStars Boston 2010 - and had an amazing experience! With TechStars its all about the mentors: Learning from those who have come before you: Both through TechStars, business professionals, funded…

Thanks for the link and the recommendation. It really does seem like a game changer for a young, ambitious entrepreneur.

I will apply to both and hope one gives us a chance.

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#13

Post by rblion »

jeffpowers wrote: post #8

We got into TechStars in Boulder in 08, but before that we were couped up in the upper west side trying to make it happen. Had there been a TechStars in NYC, we probably never would have relocated to Boulder. There's something to be said for the fact that the NYC community isn't as swamped with startups yet. That's not to say you'd be completely lost in the SF noise, though, because YC definitely helps with that.

I will give both a try. Either city is great. It seems like both are life changing experiences for young, ambitious entrepreneurs.

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#14

Post by iamintricate »

I think Henry nailed my experience thus far in the Seattle TechStars program. The activities, presentations, midnight oil burning drinking bin... I mean. It's been great growing my network of friends and colleagues, while receiving the highest level of input from some really high caliber individuals that genuinely want to support you in building a great company, a great product and knowing the handbook of how to get investment.

My answers to your specific questions are as follows: A) Giant Thinkwell made a video of us changing diapers and getting peed in the face, as well as sending Andy Sack ransom notes and cupcakes. That's out of context, but the point is, we let our personalities show through and allowed ourselves to have as much fun with it as we have with our product.

B) Understand that time is ticking and this opportunity will come to an end. Absorb and contribute to every possible presentation, meeting, pitch practice and social outing as you can. Know what your values and standards are for the company you want to build, but take heed to the advice being given and apply where you can.

Best of luck! If I could do it all over again, I'd absolutely shoot for NYC. David Tisch is geyser full of wisdom. RECORD EVERY MEETING AND CONVERSATION!

- Kyle

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#15

Post by brandoncasci »

I was in TS Boston 2010 with Loudcaster.

You get in by applying. I would apply early and send TS regular updates regarding the progress of your project since applying.

I have my own opinions about which model is better, but if you are willing to move to be in a business acceleration program for three months, then you should apply to both.

I think I recall some TS staff suggesting people apply to both, otherwise you're limiting your options, and you're in a great spot if they both want you.

You'll get the optimal experience by dividing and conquering. You're supposed to come out of it with a better business sense and a product.

You need to find the right balance between product development and business development, and having the right partners is key to that.

Whoever is the CEO for all intents and purposes should probably go most of the sessions, but not the whole team. This can be a little tough if the CEO is also one of the coders, so it's extra handy if your partner is also a coder.

You should also be very proactive going through the mentor list and reaching out to mentors early.

Oh...and when you get accepted, grab your office early and get the one closest to the entrance because a lot of mentors will drop in the first couple weeks to meet everyone ;)

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#16

Post by rblion »

brandoncasci wrote: post #15

I was in TS Boston 2010 with Loudcaster. You get in by applying. I would apply early and send TS regular updates regarding the progress of your project since applying. I have my own opinions about which model is better, but if you are willing to move to be in a business acceleration program for three months, then you should apply to both. I think I recall some TS staff suggesting people apply to both, otherwise you'r…

Loudcaster looks very promising. Best of luck to you.

We will do our best to get accepted into both. Thanks a lot for the sage advice. Basically, it all boils down to who can JUST DO IT.

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#17

Post by isaackeyet »

I was in TechStars class '07, with IntenseDebate. I really enjoyed the TechStars experience and have greatly leveraged from the network I was able to build.

Incubators are generally looking for good teams and less for the perfect business. It's a growing process finding the right thing for the team to do, but if the team works well, you have a much higher chance to create a good business. As for learning as much as possible - ask questions! Everybody is there to help, and even just touching base with your fellow "classmates" is very useful as it often helps you to avoid problems you might've run into otherwise.

Isaac Keyet

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#18

Post by mjoseph »

I was part of the TechStars 2010 Boulder class with Vacation Rental Partner. I've heard great things about YC, but do consider the fact that with the small size (~10) of each TechStars class your company gets a ton of one-on-one time with awesome mentors, including the director of the program. Your mentors really get to know you, your company, your space and can help with problems specific to your company.

Re: Ask HN: YC in SF or TechStars in NYC?

#20

Post by quintoncassidy »

I went through TechStars in 09. It was the single greatest accelerator for my company. We benefited from incredible mentorship and attention from the web's best and brightest. We would not be where we are today without TechStars.

We chose TechStars over YC because of the focus on mentorship. Both programs are fantastic and both will help you develop but do your research on the strengths of each so you know which will work best for you.

I encourage you to reach out to any of the TechStars founders and ask about their experiences first hand. All are happy and excited to share their experiences. You should do the same for YC.

The bottom line. Get into one of the two and kick a$$. Apply to both, do some research so you know what to expect and then make the decision.

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