Applications are due on 8/13. Is anyone else here planning on applying?
https://www.startupschool.org/
I've already watched the youtube videos for prior years. A lot of it is pretty good, but some of it may not apply to indie hackers at all. Keep in mind the focus for this is VC-funded companies.
I think it's probably worth applying for anyone who is building a product for developers / indie hackers / founders - which seems like a lot of people in this community -- even if you don't want to raise VC. You'll meet tons of these types of people in the program who can help with your idea or even be customers.
I've heard that a lot of value comes from the people you meet rather than the videos themselves, and there probably aren't too many chances to get to know a few hundred talented and motivated devs / makers / founders in a short time period
That's a great point. Meeting the people in the program would be valuable, especially if that's your target market.
I don't think this is true. They are ideally looking for companies that have the potential to be VC-funded startups but the Startup School program itself doesn't seem to be focused that way and Indie Hackers won't necessarily look very different from future VC-backed startups on the application form. I think YC is just trying to sow seeds far and wide here to expand the top of their funnel.
The CEO of YC says that this is the first stage and that anyone can apply, so Indie Hackers should take advantage of the program, even if the idea of future VC funding repulses them.
Yeah, I'm not saying that people shouldn't do it. Just do it with a grain of salt.
Some of the videos are clearly applicable to indie hackers:
e.g http://startupclass.samaltman.com/courses/lec07/ (Build products users love -- Kevin hale is actually kind of an indie hacker)
But some of them are less applicable:
e.g stuff about competition / investment / late stage / growth
startup = growth is the definition of VC funded stuff that doesn't have to make any money.
Indie hackers are trying to make money. startup = revenue in our world.
Fair enough, I just thought your initial comment implied too strongly that this isn't suitable for Indie Hackers and I didn't want people to see it and be put off.
You are right that some of the later lectures have a VC-oriented focus. But the way the program is set up, it seems that Indie Hackers and traditional startups alike could get a lot out of it.
Re: "Indie hackers are trying to make money. startup = revenue in our world."
I don't think there is just one path for a startup. Shouldn't all startups be striving to make money?
I'm not saying there's one path to a startup. All startups should be trying to make money. I'm just saying that VC funded startups tend to focus on getting users/growth and they'll "figure out the money later". Bootstrap startups by definition have to prioritize making money so they don't die. There are exceptions to this but I'd say that's the general difference.
VC funded startups have a "burn rate", they want to reduce the amount of VC money they lose per month. Growth is more important than making money.
Bootstrapped startups have "monthly revenue", they want to increase the amount of money they make per month. There is no extra money lying around for them to burn. 10 users who pay is worth more than 10,000 users who never will.
That sounds pretty cynical and too binary in my opinion. Our startup doesn't have monthly revenue (yet) but we are also very bootstrapped and required some upfront funding to get to our MVP. In fintech, making the simplest app is complicated and takes a long time to develop and test. I don't think we'd fit simply into either of your two categories.
It's just a generalization. I'm sure it applies to some categories more than others. And I'm not saying any way is more correct than the other.
Makes sense to do things that way in fintech where there are lots of rules and regulations to deal with.
There are some great insights on this topic in the recent IH interview with Dev Traynor ~20min mark: https://www.indiehackers.com/podcast/064-des-traynor-of-intercom
Thanks, just took a quick read of this. Always interesting to hear more contrary viewpoints. I feel like I've definitely acquired an anti-VC mindset from Basecamp. Just goes to show that every situation is unique and you have to make the decision that's right for your company.
True, a lot of the info relates to Venture Capital but I think overall the content is helpful for earlier stage startups. Whether you have investment or it's on your horizon, the information is helpful. FYI for everyone, the video library is here and free to watch: https://www.startupschool.org/library
Applied. Looking forward to the course.
Already applied. Not expecting a silver bullet but I do expect that it will be useful.
I applied it for this year since I am struggling to continue the momentum for my service.
Signed up and thanks! An extra $10K would be nice even though were boot strapped and profitable
Hi @gilakos, thanks for sharing!
Applied, thanks for posting.
I am !
Nice!
why do you want to know that?
I thought it might be a useful resource for this community. We are applying too - wishing everyone here luck!
This comment was deleted 8 years ago