166. Techstars: What Worked, What Didn't, What's Next (David Cohen)

David Cohen of Techstars joins Nick to discuss Techstars: What Worked, What Didn't, What's Next. In this episode, we cover:

• "What was the original vision for Techstars, when you started?
• How has that vision changed and evolved to where it is now?
• Techstars Ventures-- any concern that it sends a bad signal for those cohort companies that the fund does not invest in? What does winning look like for Techstars? How do you measure success?
• Do you measure common VC fund metrics like TVPI, DPI, IRR, etc?
• Do you compare yourself against the other top accelerators? If so, where do you excel?
• Started Techstars Anywhere in 2017, first full class in '18...
• How does one run a remote accelerator w/ the same quality of an in person one?
• I'm going to put you on the spot here-- some founders do not have a positive experience going through Techstars or other accelerators for that matter. What type of founder is the program a great fit for and what is it a poor fit for?
• I've noticed a focus both from you and Techstars on Mental health and wellness-- what are your thoughts on this area as an opportunity for startup innovation?
• How about the Cannabis industry. You’re based in Boulder-- what are your thoughts on the sector and opportunity for founders?
• Do More Faster is one of the must-have books for every founder. Super pragmatic, actionable insights. What lesson or piece of advice doesn't appear in the book that, now in 2018, you'd add as a critical item for founder's to appreciate as they go through their journey
• Techstars’s FounderCon Europe 2018 was less than 2 weeks ago-- What would you say is the biggest difference you’ve found when working with European startups vs ones in the US?
• What do you think Techstars looks like in five years?
• How do you balance time spent between companies that are succeeding vs. those that are failing?
• If you were to do it all over again, what would you change?
• What have you learned most about yourself through your experience at Techstars?"

To listen more, please visit http://fullratchet.net/podcast-episodes/ for all of our other episodes.

Also, follow us on twitter @TheFullRatchet for updates and more information.