[morgante]

At some point they simply stopped trying to compete with YC (probably because they can't). The terms are worse, the program is worse, and the only differentiation is not being in the Bay Area (which YC moved away from anyways).

The end result is ~nobody would choose Techstars over YC. In a power law business, that's a death sentence.

[frognumber]

The geography thing is a big deal to me. It seems YC still requires SFO area during the duration of the program. Are there alternatives?

Techstars didn't seem appealing not for the concept, but because it smelled funny. I think there is room for a robust global YC-style program. I see a lot more opportunities outside of SFO than inside, and especially in significantly different markets (and especially in ones with lower cost-of-labor).

[morgante]

YC effectively already is that global program. There are YC startups from all over—spending 3 months in SFO does not require you to move there forever, and many do return to other markets/locations.

[frognumber]

No. It's not, unless you're straight out of college.

I've done multiple successful startups, have a pretty good record of securing funding, customers, and exits, so I'm confident I'd be an easy bet for YC, simply based on track record. I'm also confident that I'd enjoy YC and learn a lot (even though I expect I'd be older than most of the kids there).

However, I've mostly cut out travel since I've had a family. I turn down speaking engagements and conferences, and limit to a very small number of trips a year. It's worth it.

I'm certainly wouldn't advise anyone to try explaining to their child why they won't see Daddy or Mommy for three months.

If I were to categorize the mistakes in my life, most involved prioritizing work over family. Older people always tell younger people that, and younger people never believe it.

[morgante]

Sorry, but if your ambition is to start a $1B company, 3 months in SF is a relatively small sacrifice no matter your age.

[sanderjd]

Do you have a family? If so, you're certainly entitled to your perspective, and I do know ambitious people with families who do think this way, but they are a tiny minority. If you don't have a family... well, this is one of the many things to fully comprehend until you've actually "been there done that".

[frognumber]

... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

You have no idea who is competing for whom.

I'd enjoy YC, and I'd learn from it, but it's definitely not something I need to do. Have a quick list at the ages and backgrounds of people who started large companies.

Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

[morgante]

> ... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

That's fine? I'm not criticizing that path: it's more pleasant, enjoyable, and probably better for almost everyone.

You're coming at me with a level of hostility that is unwarranted.

> Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

You're the one being patronizing and talking down to me for no reason.

YC is simply not interested in people who's goal is to earn a "reasonable salary." It doesn't fit their business model.

That doesn't make YC bad, and it doesn't make you bad. It just makes you a poor fit.

[todd3834]

I wonder how many choose Techstars because they were not accepted into YC