Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Seattle 2.0, and imported to GeekWire as part of our acquisition of Seattle 2.0 and its archival content. For more background, see this post.
By Andy Sack
I thought I’d give everyone an update on TechStars enough questions about the program in email — I often write things on my blog A Sack of Seattle but occasionally I’ll use these Friday posts to update everyone on Seattle 2.0. I invite you to email me with feedback and suggestions.
TechStars is about making the Seattle entrepreneur ecosystem better — and to me, that means openness and community. One of the investors in TechStars Seattle — Katie Thompson of Trilogy Partners (thanks for the support Katie!) appropriately says that organizing TechStars is kind of like throwing a potluck dinner and you (Andy) are the host. I think she’s right — and to drive the point home I may in fact, host a potluck for Seattle entrepreneurs once I figure out where to do that! In the meantime, here’s the update:
- Space: I’m looking for office space now. It’ll be in Seattle. I’m looking in S. Lake union, University, Eastlake, Fremont, Capitol Hill areas. I’m specifically not looking downtown. Dave Schappell (TeachStreet) has been pushing for Capital Hill and Tony Wright (RescueTime) and Buzz Bruggeman have argued for Pioneer Sq. It’s a good market to be shopping for office space. The important characteristics are cost, parking, charm and cost.
- Company Selection: I am learning what the process for selection is like in TechStars Boulder and Boston . My understanding of the process is as follows: a committee will be invited to participate in a “selection” call. It’s roughly a 3-4 hour call using google spreadsheets to arrive at a list of top applicants. There are approximately 300 applicants for 10 spots generally.
- Schedule: The schedule is posted here. Applications open on March 23 and are due May 21. The program starts Aug 16 and ends Nov. 12. All the dates are for this year: 2010
- Promotion: Promoting the program needs to start in March. I’ll be reaching out to all of you readers to see how you can help. I plan on reaching out to the entire Pacific NW – i.e. Oregon, Idaho, etc. and will need support from the community. Email me with ideas and offers of help.
- Mentors: The list is here.
- Events: TechStars for a day is May 24 and will be the first event—there may be some events earlier and if there are….I will of course communicate and invite you whenever appropriate.
More to come as I learn more…feel free to email me if you have questions or suggestions.
