Forget MTV’s reality show “The Real World” – if you’re considering getting into the startup game but want to get a glimpse of what’s in store, then The Founders 2010 is for you. The weekly video series is in its second incarnation and follows three startup companies – content crowdsourcing service Grogger, mobile augmented reality platform creator Omniar and property management software RentMonitor – in their adventures through Techstars.
Techstars is a 90-day program that provides seed capital and mentorship for Internet startups. The program offers up to $18,000 in seed funding as well as “the chance to pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists at the end of the program”, according to the website. From what we’ve seen, the program has quite the success rate, with nearly 70% of companies coming out of Techstars raising outside funding or becoming profitable on their own.
The series follows “the experiences of three companies throughout the summer in Boulder, Colorado from the time they arrive through investor day and beyond” and looks at what it means to be a startup going through Techstars.
In the first episode, David Cohen, the managing director for Techstars, explains that “when people think about the startup and why do you do it, they always think about the exit and getting out and making a bunch of money, but it’s really all about the ride. It’s a huge adrenaline rush.”
From showing how startup partners can quickly become family members as the business operates from the basement, to the difficulties and sleepless nights, “The Founders 2010” gives a sneak peek into the world of Internet entrepreneurship.
While “The Founders 2010” follows startups in Techstars Boulder, the program is also available in Boston and recently expanded to Seattle. The entire 2009 season of “The Founders” is also available on the Techstars website.
“The Question is Why” The Founders | TechStars Boulder | Episode 1 from TechStars on Vimeo.
