| Hi Peter Good to speak again. Many points well made. 1. Springboard is funded by 9 angel investors and NESTA, all of whom have invested equal sums. All are very active investors and are seeking to find more deals to invest in. We believe through the mentors involved we cover all the key areas that a startup would need to consider. Where gaps exist we will active seek to plug these gaps. 2. Red Gate ran Springboard historically in a different format. Correct me if I am wrong - since you worked alongside the teams - but of the four teams involved - one received funding and two have gone on to YC. Under Difference Engine, 5 of the 9 teams have been funded, including a team who received angel funding and has gone to SV and one who has received £750k in funding. 3. All of the investors can be found within the mentor group, but they have for personal reasons not disclose their identity. Cumulatively, the investors have had exits in excess of several billion dollars. 4. I would not be so bold as to suggest we are superior to YC - the grand-daddy of accelerator programmes. The major issue in Europe is the lack of these resources. We are seeking to address a deficiency in the market and we have a proven track record. 5. Interestingly most of my mentors are massively busy and for them to take at least a full day out of their diary is a significant commitment for them. None of my mentors get paid and give freely of their time. 6. I personally don't think that 6% is a significant %. Do we believe that we can add at least 6% value to your business by taking part. Absolutely, many times over. It would be good for you to clarify what you mean by dumb money - working alongside the programme mentors for the 13 weeks is quite the opposite - their insight, guidance, contacts and introductions is invaluable. Happy to discuss this further offline, if you need further information. As you know - you can get me on jon at springboard dot com. |