Earlier this week we opened the application process for Singularity University’s Startup Accelerator program. I’m incredibly excited about the program — the first accelerator built for startups leveraging technology at scale to solve humanity’s grand challenges.
Seeing the applications coming in from all over the world — I am reminded of something which I saw previously when we built and ran WebFWD, Mozilla’s Open Source accelerator program: There is a certain percentage (and let me tell you — it’s a pretty decent number) of entrepreneurs who are sending in pretty half-assed applications.
It’s not even that they spend zero time on answering the questions thoughtfully — judging from the length of their answers and the fact that they answer each question I would assume that they do spend at least some time and energy on filling out the form. But they seem to not take the time to thoughtfully answer the question and prepare the materials we are asking for.
What baffles me is that they must know that they have no chance to be seriously considered for any program — and yet they spend time and effort on applying. Why not do it right and have a shot of getting into the program?
This got me curious and I asked a few friends who also run accelerator programs. Same story — they see the same pattern.
Do it right — or don’t do it at all. There is no point in wasting time and energy for something half-assed without a chance of success.
P.S. This is obviously not only true for accelerator applications but life in general. :)
P.P.S. Help us spread the word for the program — and please apply if your startup is a fit (and do it right)!
P.P.P.S. Three weeks ago Eliot Peper kindly gifted his first book “Uncommon Stock” to all Heretics. Now the second book in the series (Power Play) is out — go and get your copy on Amazon, leave a review for Eliot’s book and support the author! :)