Techstars 2009 now accepting applications
Are you trying to get your startup off the ground? Get it funded? Figure out if its worth doing?
This will be the 3rd year of the program and the companies that have come out already speak volumes about its value and quality. Techstars is like a linear accelerator for your startup – you get to success (or failure) quickly and have access to incredible resources. Even if you know what you are doing, check it out. Even if you think giving up ANY equity is ridiculous, check it out…(’cause you are wrong). In this market, especially, you are going to need every edge you can get to get noticed and funded. Still need convincing? Let me help you out… Of the first year’s program we’ve already seen 3 exits and at least 6 commercial launches. All of these companies got funded (others did too).
- Socialthing! - sold to AOL
- IntenseDebate – sold to Wordpress/Auttomatic
- BrightKite – killer location-based social app
- Eventvue - social networks for conferences
- Filtrbox – google alerts on steroids
- Madkast – sold to ShareThis!
The 2008 class is equally impressive and has been moving quickly – these companies are all revenue-generating already and I believe most got funded too!
If you are only interested in running a lifestyle business, or a side-show don’t bother applying. If you have a loose concept but no team and nothing to show…get to work. Techstars selects participants based on the quality and potential of the team, and the potential of the ideas they possess. Your business doesn’t have to be fully baked, but you’d better be able to pitch it. If you have what it takes, and you want to maximize your chances for success I would give this serious thought. If you have any questions, or need advice just drop a line here!