Your startup gets $20k cash + 20 mentors this summer CapitalFactory 2011 | Hacker News Reader

Your startup gets $20k cash + 20 mentors this summer CapitalFactory 2011

blog.asmartbear.com

What, no blind $150k investment? (Just Kidding)

It is interesting to compare the applications to both Capital Factory and Y-Combinator.

For one, Capital Factory gives you up to 500 words per responses, while YC suggests you stay within a 120 word count.

Also, YC emphasis less on the actual idea and more on the team dynamic and personality of the individuals. Where else Capital Factory express a need for more detail about the idea and startup.

I am interested in hearing other peoples opinions about Capital Factory versus YC, since I am applying for both.

I've worked with Jason Cohen (asmartbear) and also with Josh Baer - both are Managing Directors of Capital Factory.

They are smart and talented guys and although I've not participated in Capital Factory personally, I think it's an excellent incubator program.

Although I live in San Francisco, I've done a lot of work with Texas based startups. There is certainly a lot of merit of getting out of the bubble that is Silicon Valley and basing yourself in somewhere like Austin, esp during the 'heads down' phase of a startup.

Anyway, I just wanted to put a good word in for these guys - definitely apply!

What were some of your experiences participating in Capital Factory? Best parts? Worst Parts?

As I said I've not participated in the Capital Factory program, but I'm a hands-on advisor with a company that is founded by Jason Cohen and backed with resource by Capital Thought (the company behind the Capital Factory program).

Oops sorry, misread that line.

am i the only one who sees these other incubators and thinks they pale in comparison to YC? (no i'm not a YC-funded founder)

Nothing wrong with that, YC pretty much (re)wrote the book on tech incubation over the past 5 years, and is still doing it. They're the 800lb gorilla of the domain.

I think this is the point where pg would jump in and remind everyone that YC is NOT a incubator and thus comparing these two programs would be like apples and oranges...

That being said, YC seems to be in a league of it's own. I bet that they could change their terms ("we'll give you 0 money, for 10% of your company") and the quality and quantity of the applicants and selections wouldn't drop.

It seems to come with the best advice, the most successful alumni, some amount of built in press coverage, a big foot in the door w/ the VC community, and what seems to be an intangible "boost" that really changes your company's chances for success (..assuming you work hard, etc. etc.). Oh, that and--atleast for this current crop--acceptance to YC literally guarantees you (some) financing.

At this point, pg is damn right for favoring people to products. With the benefits above, YC could take a good team with no real idea, hash out a decent one in the first week, crank out an MVP in 3 months, and with their 150K in the bank have the time to make it to a 10-20 million exit. Like My Fair Lady or something.

I'll be glad to play the part of Eliza Doolittle.

they're using different terms, but if you look at the details they're saying the same thing. i'm just wondering, other than getting rejected by YC, why would you choose another?

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