Ask HN: Idea guy put me on his incubator application without my consent

Contact the incubator, tell them this:

"I was told my name was put on an application. If this is the case, this is a misunderstanding. I, in fact, intend to apply in the near future for a different startup. Please remove me from the current application."

This makes explains the situation truthfully, while avoiding describing the drama between you and John.

Wouldn't that make me look bad when I submit a new application? They could think that I ditched their company for my own company or something.

I think you're overestimating how much they care. Being busy and looking at a ton of applications, they will probably just accept your email at face value, remove your name from the app, and move on to the next.

If you report it as soon as possible, I am sure it will be fine. You will be correcting a situation before they even have time to start evaluating John's application...

Also, announcing that you already have plans to submit your own application will make them realize you are not hiding any of your intentions.

I would be worried about the same perception, it sucks but people do wonder when shadiness is unearthed, they naturally wonder what the other side of the story is. Personally I would probably not bring the issue to a head unless I was specifically questioned on it. I would save the Skype chat as a log of what transpired. Chances are the fact that you are on two applications will not be correlated, if it is I personally would give you a chance to explain the situation. There are a lot of us with multiple irons in the fire, that is most likely the perception they would have, there is nothing wrong with chasing two ideas, so long as you are willing to drop one to pursue the one that hits. So given that I don't think that even if it was correlated that it would immediately disqualify you from getting a call.

I'm not certain it really matters. Do to the high volume, as others have mentioned, people remember ideas / traction, instead of names. If you submit and someone else submitted, and both of your applications pique interested and get a follow-up, then pursue your application. Most incubators meet the team before selection. At that point, if both apps make it that far, the truth will come out.

At that point, they'll have to explain why you aren't with their team and the truth will come out.

I understand it's not the best foundation for healthy co-foundership, but it presents an opportunity too. You'll be exposed to a very valuable network, funding and loads of likeminded people. You have to decide if you want to put up with John for the next couple of months/year and maybe building your own idea after, using your new network.

I would not do anything. Just wait and see whether this guy gets accepted for an interview...if yes tell them you have been asked to join and did yet not confirm your participation and if not you are free to do whatever you want. Since you have been listed as a developer you can easily apply again with another idea.

I'd just ask the incubator to remove you from the application.

Agreed. This will likely blacklist him from the incubator, but it may also blacklist you. You might want to call and talk to them and let them know exactly what happened.

I would first ask to see the application "John" submitted. Then contact the incubator to explain.

I asked John to show me a copy of the application, and he said he filled it out on the web page and didn't save a copy.

That blows. I'd like to hear how this turns out and how you handle it. Please update when you can. Good luck.