Comments on: TechStars: Summer Camp (and cash) For Entrepreneurs http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:06:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: TechStars 2008 Applications Now Open http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1932322 TechStars 2008 Applications Now Open Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:24:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1932322 [...] fund/incubator TechStars is now accepting applications for its 2008 intake (see our coverage of them a year [...] [...] fund/incubator TechStars is now accepting applications for its 2008 intake (see our coverage of them a year [...]

]]> By: Socialthing, Inc. » Blog Archive » What I've been waiting to tell you all; http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1525284 Socialthing, Inc. » Blog Archive » What I've been waiting to tell you all; Sun, 29 Jul 2007 20:04:38 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1525284 [...] TechCrunch TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams [...] [...] TechCrunch TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams [...]

]]> By: ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1452850 ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:42:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1452850 <strong> ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin...</strong> ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin... ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin…

ñêà÷àòü èãðó sin…

]]> By: èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1452199 èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:11:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1452199 <strong>èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå...</strong> èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå... èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå…

èãðû áåñïëàòíî ìîáèëüíûå…

]]> By: ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1446208 ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:51:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1446208 <strong> ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ...</strong> ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ... ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ…

ìÿñèùåâ ïñèõîëîãèÿ…

]]> By: çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1436593 çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê Sun, 17 Jun 2007 13:14:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1436593 <strong>çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê...</strong> çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê... çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê…

çíàêîìñòâà îðåíáóðãñêàÿ îáë ã êóâàíäûê…

]]> By: ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1387029 ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû Mon, 21 May 2007 13:25:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1387029 <strong> ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû...</strong> ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû... ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû…

ñêà÷àòü sis 3d èãðû…

]]> By: ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1384796 ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî Sat, 19 May 2007 10:10:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1384796 <strong> ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî...</strong> ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî... ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî…

ñêà÷àòü èãðó ñóïåðìàðèî…

]]> By: TechStars Blog » My take on TechStars and the TechCrunch coverage http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1351542 TechStars Blog » My take on TechStars and the TechCrunch coverage Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:51:02 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1351542 [...] Arrington wrote about it yesterday on TechCrunch, and likes the idea. But what blew me away was some of the negative comments to his post. Most of [...] [...] Arrington wrote about it yesterday on TechCrunch, and likes the idea. But what blew me away was some of the negative comments to his post. Most of [...]

]]> By: Ajax Girl http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1335820 Ajax Girl Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:34:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1335820 [...] TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams with up to $15,000 in seed capital and providing office space, operational support, and mentors from business leaders (and potential follow-on investors) in Boulder, CO. In exchange for the investment and everything else, the teams give up a meager 5% equity position in their companies. Our previous profile of them is here. [...] [...] TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams with up to $15,000 in seed capital and providing office space, operational support, and mentors from business leaders (and potential follow-on investors) in Boulder, CO. In exchange for the investment and everything else, the teams give up a meager 5% equity position in their companies. Our previous profile of them is here. [...]

]]> By: TechStars Summer Camp for Entrepreneurs: Winners Selected http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1335756 TechStars Summer Camp for Entrepreneurs: Winners Selected Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:09:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-1335756 [...] TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams with up to $15,000 in seed capital and providing office space, operational support, and mentors from business leaders (and potential follow-on investors) in Boulder, CO. In exchange for the investment and everything else, the teams give up a meager 5% equity position in their companies. Our previous profile of them is here. [...] [...] TechStars is doing something similar to what YCombinator has done – they’re funding 10 teams with up to $15,000 in seed capital and providing office space, operational support, and mentors from business leaders (and potential follow-on investors) in Boulder, CO. In exchange for the investment and everything else, the teams give up a meager 5% equity position in their companies. Our previous profile of them is here. [...]

]]> By: Techpaulogy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-959607 Techpaulogy Sat, 17 Feb 2007 05:16:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-959607 <strong>Catalyzing Entrepreneurs - Early Stage Incubators...</strong> A recent post on Techcrunch, TechStars: Summer Camp (and cash) For Entrepreneurs, caught my attention -- recently, there's been a wave of venture capitalists reaching out to help early stage entrepreneurs. And by early stage, we're talking people who... Catalyzing Entrepreneurs - Early Stage Incubators…

A recent post on Techcrunch, TechStars: Summer Camp (and cash) For Entrepreneurs, caught my attention — recently, there’s been a wave of venture capitalists reaching out to help early stage entrepreneurs. And by early stage, we’re talking people who…

]]> By: John Wilson http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-843398 John Wilson Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:26:08 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-843398 As David and others posted, this is an excellent way to be mentored by a large group of experienced entrepreneurs. It's not about funding, albeit being one of the companies selected for Techstaers is undoubtedly going to make securing funding considerably easier. It is a shame that there has to be a cut-off of 10 firms, since all great ideas should get backing. However, it's not money that is scarce - it's the time of the mentors. I think extending techstars out to other cities/countries would be an excellent idea (including London, despite comment 48!). As David and others posted, this is an excellent way to be mentored by a large group of experienced entrepreneurs. It’s not about funding, albeit being one of the companies selected for Techstaers is undoubtedly going to make securing funding considerably easier.

It is a shame that there has to be a cut-off of 10 firms, since all great ideas should get backing. However, it’s not money that is scarce - it’s the time of the mentors.

I think extending techstars out to other cities/countries would be an excellent idea (including London, despite comment 48!).

]]> By: Francis http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-802031 Francis Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:33:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-802031 GREAT CONCEPT! I have had such a hard time securing funding from the State of Wisconsin Department of COmerce. ALot of great programs on paper with staff and no real funding! I would reconmend everyone look to ther states, such as Minnesota, where I am currently residing, for better funding sources. I will definitely look into this funding opportuntiy! Have a great day! Francis Entrepreneur GREAT CONCEPT! I have had such a hard time securing funding from the State of Wisconsin Department of COmerce. ALot of great programs on paper with staff and no real funding! I would reconmend everyone look to ther states, such as Minnesota, where I am currently residing, for better funding sources.
I will definitely look into this funding opportuntiy!
Have a great day!
Francis
Entrepreneur

]]> By: Brooke http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-798693 Brooke Sat, 27 Jan 2007 06:18:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-798693 @49 MG They get a 5% stake in your company, meaning you keep 95%. Their 5% equity is of a non-controlling nature. From all the contacts you'd make along with all the mentoring benefits, I think 5% is a very fair trade-off and think of it from their perspective. They need to run a business too... @49 MG

They get a 5% stake in your company, meaning you keep 95%. Their 5% equity is of a non-controlling nature. From all the contacts you’d make along with all the mentoring benefits, I think 5% is a very fair trade-off and think of it from their perspective. They need to run a business too…

]]> By: morons http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-797536 morons Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:35:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-797536 1) You can tell the difference in philosophy and approach between TechStars and Y Combinator in their respective names. 2) Wow - the TechStars application questions are exactly the same as YC's. 1) You can tell the difference in philosophy and approach between TechStars and Y Combinator in their respective names.
2) Wow - the TechStars application questions are exactly the same as YC’s.

]]> By: MG http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-797295 MG Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:57:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-797295 So I spend all that time their and build them a website that I get 5% of? This is a borderline scam. So I spend all that time their and build them a website that I get 5% of? This is a borderline scam.

]]> By: Darren http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-796330 Darren Sat, 27 Jan 2007 00:35:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-796330 I wish we had these things in the uk. Travelling to the US and paying for expenses plus my living expenses in the uk for 3 months would more be a lot more than 5000 dollars because thats about £2500 and thats not a lot :p In fact I would love access to those connections and advise for 5% and no funding. Just as long as it wasn't in bleedy london! I wish we had these things in the uk.

Travelling to the US and paying for expenses plus my living expenses in the uk for 3 months would more be a lot more than 5000 dollars because thats about £2500 and thats not a lot :p

In fact I would love access to those connections and advise for 5% and no funding. Just as long as it wasn’t in bleedy london!

]]> By: Patricia http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-795184 Patricia Fri, 26 Jan 2007 21:44:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-795184 @ ty you can email me at patricia@stylediary.net - i'm in LA and have a lot of local contacts. @ ty you can email me at patricia@stylediary.net - i’m in LA and have a lot of local contacts.

]]> By: David Cohen http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794911 David Cohen Fri, 26 Jan 2007 21:00:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794911 For those that asked, TechStars is indeed open to those outside the US. I've addressed the concern over the value of ideas and the secrecy of them on the blog at TechStars.org. I'd invite anyone worried about this to take a look. For those that asked, TechStars is indeed open to those outside the US.

I’ve addressed the concern over the value of ideas and the secrecy of them on the blog at TechStars.org. I’d invite anyone worried about this to take a look.

]]> By: Ty Graham http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794730 Ty Graham Fri, 26 Jan 2007 20:32:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794730 Anyone in Los Angeles know of similar Angel fund groups? I am looking for a mentor who's local and can help me take my awesome idea to the next level. Anyone in Los Angeles know of similar Angel fund groups? I am looking for a mentor who’s local and can help me take my awesome idea to the next level.

]]> By: Brooke http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794459 Brooke Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:50:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794459 Don't get me wrong, I think this idea is fabulous, I guess I'm just a bit paranoid of what could happen if they were untrustworthy with the applications. $5k per person is pretty good and I think you could make it work if you had to split the rent and other bills between 3 founders. Also, giving up 5%, non-controlling/non-voting rights equity isn't too bad when you consider the wealth of mentorship, networking, and marketing experience you'll have gained throughout the summer. And think about it, if they're invested in your company, they'll want you to be successful. 5% of a worthless company isn't really in their best interests if you ask me... I'd also like to know if non-US residents can apply (Canadian here). I'd assume there would be visa issues with working and running a business in the US as a non-citizen. I couldn't find any limitations on their home page though. Don’t get me wrong, I think this idea is fabulous, I guess I’m just a bit paranoid of what could happen if they were untrustworthy with the applications.

$5k per person is pretty good and I think you could make it work if you had to split the rent and other bills between 3 founders. Also, giving up 5%, non-controlling/non-voting rights equity isn’t too bad when you consider the wealth of mentorship, networking, and marketing experience you’ll have gained throughout the summer. And think about it, if they’re invested in your company, they’ll want you to be successful. 5% of a worthless company isn’t really in their best interests if you ask me…

I’d also like to know if non-US residents can apply (Canadian here). I’d assume there would be visa issues with working and running a business in the US as a non-citizen. I couldn’t find any limitations on their home page though.

]]> By: Patricia http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794406 Patricia Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:40:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794406 $15k is pretty good money to get a small idea rolling. I love the trend shifting to smaller investments (as noted in the article) since all three of my start ups will benefit, and the guidance/hand-holding/help is always great (though a smart exec would just put an advisory board in place on his/her own). The only thing I don't like is how it sort of has a very youth/young feel to it - it looks like something a high school kid should get excited about (even though it's obviously going to be geared toward older entrepreneurs). To me, their site feels like it's intended for kids. $15k is pretty good money to get a small idea rolling. I love the trend shifting to smaller investments (as noted in the article) since all three of my start ups will benefit, and the guidance/hand-holding/help is always great (though a smart exec would just put an advisory board in place on his/her own). The only thing I don’t like is how it sort of has a very youth/young feel to it - it looks like something a high school kid should get excited about (even though it’s obviously going to be geared toward older entrepreneurs). To me, their site feels like it’s intended for kids.

]]> By: johnbtes http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794214 johnbtes Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:07:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794214 For someone who is completely ignorant to practices and procedures within this industry an idea like this is at least a shot. If you have a great idea and it fails, then they use it and create an empire, congrats on their part because you failed. But if you were to never attempt it then you have already failed. This 3 month experience is likely to be more informative than 4 years in college and the connections dwarf the 4 partied out, barely passed, thousands in debt, college years of a bachelors degree. Plus there is nothing to lose except 3 months of your time. So not taking this opportunity if it was offered to you would be almost blasphemus to the idea of entrepreneurship. For someone who is completely ignorant to practices and procedures within this industry an idea like this is at least a shot. If you have a great idea and it fails, then they use it and create an empire, congrats on their part because you failed. But if you were to never attempt it then you have already failed.
This 3 month experience is likely to be more informative than 4 years in college and the connections dwarf the 4 partied out, barely passed, thousands in debt, college years of a bachelors degree.
Plus there is nothing to lose except 3 months of your time. So not taking this opportunity if it was offered to you would be almost blasphemus to the idea of entrepreneurship.

]]> By: Allen Sligar http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794150 Allen Sligar Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:58:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/01/25/techstars-summer-camp-for-entrepreneurs/#comment-794150 @Brook Thats why its important to make sure your around people you trust, who have your best interests in mind, and who want to help you build a company. Thus the mentoring model. @Erik Spot on, the ability to execute, (on a good idea, not a bad one) is directly proportional to success. Unfortunately, you also have to have an uncomfortably high toleration for failure, something most people dont want to deal with either. Companies are built by great cohesive teams of people working toward a common goal set executing on an idea, this dosnt work in reverse, great ideas do not generate companies without great people behind them. @Brook

Thats why its important to make sure your around people you trust, who have your best interests in mind, and who want to help you build a company. Thus the mentoring model.

@Erik

Spot on, the ability to execute, (on a good idea, not a bad one) is directly proportional to success. Unfortunately, you also have to have an uncomfortably high toleration for failure, something most people dont want to deal with either.

Companies are built by great cohesive teams of people working toward a common goal set executing on an idea, this dosnt work in reverse, great ideas do not generate companies without great people behind them.

]]>