Programs like our own are becoming the “ultimate launch pad for many big ideas and promising entrepreneurs.” With a list of accelerators worldwide that is growing upwards of three hundred, it’s no wonder that how to get into an accelerator program is the talk of the town. A couple weeks ago, as Inc.com reports, Jason Calacanis, founder of the Launch Festival in San Francisco, got to ask a panel of five accelerator program partners about how personality plays into their selection. Here’s a breakdown of what they had to say:
1. Being an entrepreneur: you can’t fake it and it’s not something you can just walk away from. “Curiosity and openness,” combined with being “product-obsessed,” according to two accelerator program pros, mean you’re a “real” entrepreneur. Also, “If you can be talked out of being an entrepreneur, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.” Think about that one twice before applying to an accelerator.
2. You’re married to your founder. Starting a business with someone you’ve just met is like marrying someone you just met in a bar. It might work out, but chances are you’ll fall into the pool of “founder break-ups and dysfunctional teams” that lead to failed companies.
3. “Play well with others.” Accelerators are investing not only in the companies, but also [and mainly] in the entrepreneurs behind them. That means they’re “looking for people who are going to give back” and create a sustainable community. So make friends. It’ll pay off.
4. “…But jerks [might] have value too.” This is where the accelerators disagree. Some say you have to take the risk and invest in the jerks. “Those outlier personalities are often the most powerful visionaries.” BUT, “talent doesn’t mean you can get away with anything.” On the other side of the coin, some think “that the start-up world will thrive without the presence of talented jerk personalities.” Whether to be a nice guy? It’s a flip of a coin.
We agree with the above, but they’re missing one important point. We at FounderFuel are looking for people with the right mindset. As an entrepreneur you need to believe in your idea and stand by it at all cost, but joining an accelerator requires the humility and maturity to hear the things you don’t want to hear as well as those you do want to hear. This means being completely open-minded and ready to have your ideas deeply challenged and sometimes even destroyed. If we sense that you’re not ready for that, we won’t take you in.
Thanks to everyone who applied for the Summer 2013 Cohort!
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you’re feeling about your application, there isn’t much else for you to do now but wait…
Now what? Here’s a look at what’s on our plate for the next few weeks:
- Online reviews happen this week and are complete by Feb 22nd
- Interviews begin the week of March 4th
- Final decisions will be announced March 18th
The final countdown has begun: you have until midnight tonight to submit your application on F6S or on AngelList! No late applications will be considered, so get yours in on time.
Here’s a little “Final Countdown” motivation:
One final reminder of what’s at stake:
- $150K in convertible debt from the BDC for “Venture Ready” companies at Demo Day - $150K of exclusive discounts on services you probably already use - 3 months of free office space in the Valley for select companies - 120 startup veteran Mentors: Serial Entrepreneurs, Investors and Senior Execs - 800 people at Demo Day, the largest event of its kind in North America
What are you waiting for? Time’s almost up. Submit your application now.
There is one day left before applications are due for our Summer 2013 Cohort. It’s the last stretch: time to perfect your videos, fine tune your answers and hit submit before it’s too late!
Complete your application on F6S or on AngelList before tomorrow, February 8th, at midnight!
You have 2 days left to submit your applications to the Summer 2013 FounderFuel cohort, so hang loose…but not too much!
No, creating a profile on F6S or AngelList is not enough. Sending us an email saying you’re interested is not enough. Meeting us during drop-ins was not enough.
You need to complete your application on F6S or on AngelList.
We want to know about your company, who’s running it, what you’re doing, your vision… but most of all, we want to know who you are. Make good videos, show us some personality–because for us, when it comes down to it, the team is what matters most.
So stop contemplating whether to hit submit. Just do it–we can guarantee that after three months of feedback, mentorship, and pure speed for your business, you won’t regret it.
Friday’s the day! There are only a few days left to get your application in to be considered for our Summer 2013 Cohort…have you submitted yours yet? Apply here.
It’s down to the wire: one week left to apply for the next Cohort.
Sure, you want to whip your startup into shape. You want honest feedback, for us to rip you away from your tunnel vision–and most of all to make your business the best it can be. Well, just in case you think we’re kidding when we say we’re the no-bullshit, straight-up best way for you to accelerate your startup to the next level–and beyond–take a minute to check out this video:
See? We weren’t joking. We want to whip your business into shape. You ready? Apply now.
In case you’ve forgotten, here’s what you’ve got to lose by not applying:
- $50K for 9% equity on Day 1 of the program - $150K in convertible debt from BDC Venture Capital at Demo Day for Venture Ready companies - $150K of exclusive discounts & perks - 3 months of free office space in the Valley after Demo Day: RocketSpace or Plug And Play - 120 startup veteran Mentors: Serial Entrepreneurs, VCs, Angels, & Senior Execs - 800 people at Demo Day, the largest event of its kind in North America
So what are you waiting for? It’s crunch time! Get your applications in here before next Friday, February 8th.
Finally, if you have any questions or would just like to meet us, we’ll be holding a live chat on Skype (handle: FounderFuel) on Monday, February 4th, from 1PM to 5PM and Drop-Ins at Notman House on Tuesday, February 5th, from 1PM to 5PM. Drop us a line on Skype or come by and see us!
We’re looking forward to seeing all your kick-ass applications soon!
Yesterday marked the end of our 2-week Roadshow. We’ve been East and West and met with over 500 of the great players in our nearby startup communities. We just wanted to send a big thank you to everyone that hosted us and came out to see us, whether you were thinking of applying, have been a Mentor to our teams, already went through the program or just wanted to learn more about it, it was great to see you.
We are accepting applications until next Friday, February 8th, at midnight, so get yours in before it’s too late! In the meantime, if you have questions, we’ll be holding two events to get them answered:
Live Worldwide Chat on Monday, February 4th, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Montreal time) on Skype (handle: FounderFuel)
-Just add us and send us your questions. We’ll be around to chat with you and answer them!
Drop-In Office Hours on Tuesday, February 5th, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
-First-come, first-served! Stop by Notman House and come up to the second floor to sign up for the available 30-minute sessions with the program’s GM, Ian Jeffrey. He’ll answer your questions and give you some tips on applying!
Again, a big thank you to our hosts and guests. It was one hell of a trip! If we don’t see you in the summer, we’ll see you next time around!
Today we’re heading west for one last stop on our Roadshow: Toronto! Come by and see us at Jet Cooper to hear all about the program and get the chance to ask us your biggest questions (and have a beer).
We’ve had the chance to hang out with so many great startups, mentors and alumni over the past two weeks–and we’re hoping to go out with a bang! If you haven’t had the chance to come meet us, sign up now for Toronto’s event or come by and see us at Notman House next Tuesday, February 5th, between 1PM and 5PM for Drop-Ins.
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about startups to lend us a hand with the day-to-day tasks of running FounderFuel.
You are: – A “Jack/Jane of all trades” interested in Startups, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, etc. – Ready to take on any task. – Self-driven and proactive.
Whatcha gonna do? – Support management in day-to-day tasks. – Organize meetings for guests: Mentors, Partners, Investors, etc. – Plan logistics for upcoming events.
Why do it? – Grow your network faster than you can ever believe. – Get office space at Notman House, Montreal’s home of the web. – Take advantage to everything that happens during the program: Talks, Workshops, Mentor Day, Demo Day, etc.
What to expect? – Instant access to Montreal’s thriving startup ecosystem. – Tons of unique learning experience via influential startup veterans. – Hard work in return of huge networking benefits.
Interested? – Point us to your Blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, About.Me, Etc. – Tell us why we’d be crazy not to pick you info@founderfuel.com.
You must be available part time (days, evenings or whenever needed) for 14 weeks starting April 8th 2013.
