Comment by python_kiss | Hacker News Reader

Comment by python_kiss | Hacker News Reader

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The only reality that counts is what's already in the prospect's mind. Coca-Cola came before Pepsi, so even a century later, it continues to dominate the market. Aside from being displeased, YC shouldn't feel threatened by TechStars; Y Combinator is ahead of its competition by leaps and bounds especially since it was first in their prospect's minds. For startup founders and bloggers, TechStars will always come off as the "clone".

There is understandably some heat between us and the replicant. Wouldn't it be a good idea to just send David an email (David[@]coloradostartups.com) to reach some common ground? This might just be an opportunity to expand Y Combinator beyond Boston or Mountain View.

Every market is going to have multiple players (Pepsi vs Coke, Microsoft vs Apple, Goldman Sachs vs Fidelity, Google vs Yahoo); competition is healthy and usually indicative of a solid market. While there may be some heat between YC and TechStars because of the Application Form, they're both great additions to the Venture Capital Field.

Both teams have great members and mentors; PG being at the top of the list for YC, Brad Feld being up there for TS. An aspiring serial entrepreneur will do well to learn and be accepted by either company, of that I'm sure.

I'd have to say that currently Y is considered a "brand" now with Mike constantly mentioning the companies on his blog, Y with a strong community, and PG was the first to introduce this concept.

However,if an entrepreneur had the honor of being accepted into either Techstars or Y Combinator, I'm sure he/she would work their butt off not only for themselves but to represent the program he/she is in. Multiple players foster a very healthy competition.

We'll just have to wait and see which program selects the better "animal" entrepreneurs for this round. The success of a startup involves not only the people heading it, but a large part depends on the entrepreneur themselves and the ability to implement or create something useful. How very exciting!

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