Yep. Our startup has been in the program for a little under 3 years now. It is great!
Edit - May I ask why the downvote? Would you like more information on my experience or something? I only attempted to validate that this is a real program with real companies going through it.
Not sure about Start@Spark or Highland's program, but I think you'll find a lot of folks familiar with TechStars on HN. Having just announced the third program in Seattle, they're also rapidly increasing the number of companies that they assist annually.
I've mentored at TechStars Cloud and I've worked with a number of their affiliate program members as well, the program is worth it if you can get in and they do a great job of lighting up local ecosystems for startups.
Has anyone had any experience with these types of programs from "big" companies, e.g. the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program, or Adobe Ventures, etc.? Ones where you are essentially showcasing their software (or hardware) and they give you "support" in return.
I'm from Taiwan. 500 Startups has a pretty strong presence here, so even though I didn't technically go through their accelerator myself, I'm somewhat familiar with their program as well.
Startups like Xobni, Loopt, JaJah, Me.dium, PageFlakes, PlentyofFish etc. seem to have participated in this program.
Currently it reads:
At this time, we are no longer accepting new applications as we have reached full capacity. We apologize for the limited number of space and would encourage you check back in September for additional program that may meet your business needs.
There are Techstars programs in Berlin, if you make it in you get 20K+100K. Plus convenient intros with numerous investors as part of the program and comfy intros to hundreds of investors afterwards. You also learn a few other things about building a scalable business.
In response to 3.
Techstars has a good reputation. They have been one of the most successful incubators for their 2008 programs. They don't just coach you but they connect you with potential capital/funding or companies that might acquire or partner with you. That is much bigger then getting coached.
This reminds me of a recent criticism I read about Techstars.
The argument was that if you can get into Techstars, you didn't need Techstars. (The premise there is that Techstars uses accurate, meritocratic criteria for selecting companies, which is obviously false, as it is for all human-based selection processes.)
In my opinion, the best possible scenario for accelerators is to identify/fund companies that have the following 3 characteristics:
1) Few social advantages (lacking experience, connections, etc.)
2) Will require VC because it's impossible or counterproductive for them to reach profitability quickly (Facebooks and Ubers of the world)
It's one of many opportunities around Boston, but compared to TechStars and others who "graduate" a dozen or two at most, this program actively accelerates 100+ companies who get to that phase. I've applied and am looking forward to the great learning and networking experience.
FWIW if anyone is evaluating doing a Techstars program, I'm more than happy to talk about my experience or help you find someone from the program you're considering - just reach out!
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