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Rackspace Startup Program

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20 pointsjoshtronic14 comments

Is it just me, or is this not a "program" but a sponsorship of other incubators? I'm sorry, but this looks nothing like Microsoft's BizSpark, or some of the other offerings for start ups. If you want me to use your platform for my entire business architecture it sure as heck better be more compelling than, "Oh, hey, so we sponsor these guys and stuff."

Don't get me wrong, I love Rackspace's support. They're pretty damn good at what they do, but they also charge adequately for it.

Edit: See Nick Longo's clarification here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2518560

I couldn't even find out what there doing, other than "providing resources".

from the looks of things, they're providing resources if you're in a sponsored incubator.

also, this: http://www.rackspace.com/cloud/information/promotions/kingof...

Great question. We are providing hosting services and/or coaching to Startups that are qualified through a few channels. Incubators/VC's/Universities/Bootstraps. It did start with Incubators a few months back but the others will be reflected on the site very soon in more detail.

Nick Longo ----- Chief Rainmaker at Rackspace Hosting

there's a pretty large gap between startups that are in incubators or VC funded and those who are bootstrapped. can you elaborate any on what rackspace is planning on doing for bootstrapped projects and/or how someone is "qualified", since info isn't live yet?

Since the others have a 'process' for what constitutes a good idea, business plan, marketing plan, etc.. what we will be doing is bringing some of that internally where our team does the same thing for bootstraps. It's exciting stuff and we are trying to include everyone.

What's a great question?

The first question asked was: "Is it just me, or is this not a "program" but a sponsorship of other incubators?"

Thanks for stopping by to provide this clarification, and additional information. It means a lot that you took the time to post, especially in this venue, about what's happening with Rackspace and startups. Definitely looking forward to the unveiling. :)

No problem buddy. The Startup Program is something we all have a real passion for because of our individual backgrounds and how Rackspace got started.

Good example too. Here is one way we provided mentorship just last weekend with 3 Day Startup, Trinity University students & young professionals - http://bit.ly/kMZrqM

Hahaha, I love that they snuck the word pivot into their description of a startup's journey:

"from the planning, to finding the target market, to the coding and then pivoting"

That's the same thing they intend to do with this service offering, pivoting from free to paid as soon as the startup has enough traffic/revenue :)

If you would like to learn more and follow the program as it moves forward check out - http://bit.ly/StartingUp

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