Hacker News Reader

Comment by justincormack | Hacker News Reader

Yes my thoughts exactly. They are not selling themselves at all. Anyone here been through the programme?

This is actually the first time we've run the programme properly. We did a test run about 12 months ago but at that stage didn't have the money to invest. Even so the teams got a lot out of it I hope. Good Gym (www.goodgym.org) has probably progressed the most but it was a different set up then - they're a not-for-profit.

The value for teams will definitely come from our network which we're still adding to the site to show who's involved. I think maybe we're underselling ourselves by being a bit British about the whole thing. Any advice gratefully received.

So this:

Can I apply as an individual?

You can try but it’s very unlikely that we’ll fund you. We’ve found that a startup is much more likely to succeed when it’s started by a small team rather than just by one individual.

Is a big load of bollocks then?

You're passing yourself off as experienced when you're anything but.

+1 to this. I accept that the pg-anointed wisdom is that single-founders are less likely to be successful, but I wouldn't take advice like that as dogma. Assuming it's true 'because Paul said so' is a little weak.

To be honest that comes from our experience from Social Innovation Camp. We've watched a lot of people trying to get ideas of the ground struggle if they don't have a team around them. It can be a pretty lonely business.

Oh come on - how can you possibly expect to be mentoring startups when it seems as if you don't particularly have a clue?

Sorry if that's harsh, but what are you providing for your 6% beyond "your network"?

Could you run some sort of open day before applications close to talk about the scheme and meet the people involved?

Yes, definitely planning that for April. We're happy to meet teams individually or just talk on the phone if that helps too.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com