Each year we release our applications for our highly competitive accelerator programs. We want to share some ways in which you can stand out over others during application screening.
Here are 5 tips for standing out in your application to our accelerator programs at Start Co. Be sure to apply and learn more here: Apply to Sky High Apply to Launch Delta Apply to Logistics
- Teamwork makes the dream work.
The #1 factor of success for a startup company is the team. At Start Co. we want to see that you have a strong founding team. We want to know that your talents and skills complement each other and you can work together. Do you have the technical ability to build something? Ideally, we would like to see a technical founder: a person who knows the industry, blended with someone who knows how to build. Do you have a history of working together? Great. Tell us about your dynamic. If you don’t, at least tell us how you know each other. Founding a company is not easy and you need great teammates.
- Demonstrate how you are different.
We receive 100s of applications, and going through them takes awhile! Make yourself stand out; make it easy for us to notice you among the masses. For example, if you have other methods besides slides that demonstrate your progress, include them. Short videos, blogs, creatively designed timelines, etc. Show us why we should offer you a spot in our next cohort. We value diversity and focus on inclusion — help us understand why you are different – as a company, as a team, as a founder.
- Tell us what you’ve learned.
We love to see teams that have been out there working hard to get customers, even if you’ve failed. We want to see that you’re willing to iterate and adapt quickly. Tell us what you’ve learned. What have you tried and failed at? Be honest. True growth and change comes at the hand of frustration and failure!
- Tell us about your competitive advantage or unique perspective.
We want to know you’ve spent time thinking through how you can beat out the competition. Tell us how you are better and how you’re different. How are you better than all the other startups trying to solve the same problem?
- Turn it in!
Remember that the application is only first step of many towards getting into our program. Don’t get hung up on perfection to the point you don’t submit something. Just click submit and do it by March 15th. And if you happen to turn it in sooner, that will just give us more time to look over and make special note of your application.
Here are examples from 3 applications that stood out in the 2018 applicant pool!
LawnTap: They included a 1.5 minute video that was filmed on their laptop – introducing us to the co-founders, giving an explanation of their team, their relationship and their company. They were selected for Launch Delta, 2018.
Please Assist Me: They included details about how their backgrounds made them the dream team for the service they were developing. As busy professionals with experience in product development and nonprofit operations, they knew explained how they could blend those skills to have a successful business that made the lives of busy professionals (like themselves) easier. They were selected for Launch Delta, 2018.
Truckish: In the “Details” section of their application – they clearly mapped out Problem & Solution in two concise paragraphs helping us to quickly understand their business and how it fit into the Logistics industry. Because we had complete clarity early on, the rest of the process moved much quicker. They were selected for Logistics, 2018.
Again, here are the links to apply:
https://www.f6s.com/launchdelta/apply