Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Seattle 2.0, and imported to GeekWire as part of our acquisition of Seattle 2.0 and its archival content. For more background, see this post.

By Andy Sack

We’ve received a great response so far to TechStars applications being open in Seattle.  We’re already approaching 100 applications — and my expectation is that we’ll likely have more than 300 applications submitted before the June 1, 2010.  So it’s going to be competitive and you’ve got to have a really good application to get a spot.  Here’s some tips and answers to help you make your application stand out:
TEAM
Team — your team and past accomplishments of your team are really important. We look for clear evidence of successful technical prowess and projects.  
It’s rare — very rare — that TechStars admits one person applicants. There have been one or two exceptions to this rule — but that’s what they are — exceptions. The reason for the rule is simple. Companies are built by teams not individuals.  You will need 2 or 3 people with diverse skills to create a successful company.  You will need to work well with each other and enjoy each other. Better to figure that out before applying to TechStars. 
During the TechStars program, teams must work and live in Seattle. TechStars applicants must be onsite at the TechStars office (location still TBD).  You can apply from anywhere in the world as long as you are willing to relocate to Seattle for the 3 months of the program. 
Teams who outsource technical work overseas are at a disadvantage. Outsourcing isn’t an application killer but we encourage your team to contain a technical co-founder that is on-site in Seattle. 
IDEA 
Your idea should be clear and well thought out.  Ideally, it is differentiated from other solutions in the market.  You should make sure you’ve spoken to lots of customers in the process of understanding the customer and the customer problem.  If you haven’t spoken to 100 customers — I assure you it will show in your application. If you have spoken and listened to 100 customers, your application will shine above others.  Ideally, your idea solves a real problem for an identifiable and accessible customer base.  
CUSTOMER ACQUISITION
Think about how your business is going to acquire customers. This is one area of ideas that new entrepreneurs don’t spend enough time thinking about and articulating.  You can have a great product but if you can’t acquire customers your product won’t get used.  
 
APPLICATION 
This may sound stupid but complete the entire application.  Put the time and thought into the application to make it look good. Make your case for why we should choose you over the 300 other applications.  Anything you can do to stand out will help. Pictures and short videos help a lot (make videos less than 2 minutes). Complete applications help — you’d be surprised how many people submit incomplete applications.  Early applications help a lot! Given the number of applications, getting your application in early gives us the time we need to review it and ask questions. Early applications also gives us time to get to know founding teams. This increases your chance of getting in. Most applications come in during the last week (and many the last day) — if you’re serious about applying, I’d suggest that you demonstrate your seriousness and intent by being organized enough to apply early. This simple step will help you stand out — and it helps us spend the necessary time to get to know each applicant team. 
If you have other questions, simply email me or come to open coffee Tuesdays 8:30AM to 10AM at Louisa’s Cafe on Eastlake Ave. E. 
 
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