Joining a Remote Startup Accelerator with Tony Chan

Welcome to today's episode of MicroConf Welcome to today's episode of MicroConf on Air. I'm your host, Rob Walling, and on Air. I'm your host, Rob Walling, and on Air. I'm your host, Rob Walling, and today we're talking about joining a today we're talking about joining a today we're talking about joining a startup accelerator. Every other startup accelerator. Every other startup accelerator. Every other Wednesday at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Wednesday at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Wednesday at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific, we live stream for about 30 Pacific, we live stream for about 30 Pacific, we live stream for about 30 minutes, and we cover topics related to minutes, and we cover topics related to minutes, and we cover topics related to building and growing ambitious SAS building and growing ambitious SAS building and growing ambitious SAS startups that bring us freedom and startups that bring us freedom and startups that bring us freedom and purpose and allow us to maintain healthy purpose and allow us to maintain healthy purpose and allow us to maintain healthy relationships. relationships. relationships. Welcome back and thanks for joining me. Welcome back and thanks for joining me. Welcome back and thanks for joining me. I'm really excited that we have micro I'm really excited that we have micro I'm really excited that we have micro comps coming up in just a few weeks. comps coming up in just a few weeks. comps coming up in just a few weeks. believe it's like less than a month believe it's like less than a month believe it's like less than a month until uh Microcom in Portland. Uh until uh Microcom in Portland. Uh until uh Microcom in Portland. Uh Portland, Oregon. So MicroM locals are Portland, Oregon. So MicroM locals are Portland, Oregon. So MicroM locals are going to be in Portland, Oregon, Boston, going to be in Portland, Oregon, Boston, going to be in Portland, Oregon, Boston, Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas. And Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas. And Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas. And then we have a micro Europe growth then we have a micro Europe growth then we have a micro Europe growth edition in Croatia uh in the first week edition in Croatia uh in the first week edition in Croatia uh in the first week of October. So it's middle and towards of October. So it's middle and towards of October. So it's middle and towards the end of September are three events the end of September are three events the end of September are three events and then um first week of October is and then um first week of October is and then um first week of October is growth. So, if you're interested in growth. So, if you're interested in growth. So, if you're interested in hanging out with a bunch of other hanging out with a bunch of other hanging out with a bunch of other ambitious, bootstrapped, and mostly ambitious, bootstrapped, and mostly ambitious, bootstrapped, and mostly bootstrapped SAS founders, head to bootstrapped SAS founders, head to bootstrapped SAS founders, head to microcump.com and look at the in-person microcump.com and look at the in-person microcump.com and look at the in-person events link there. And we still, I events link there. And we still, I events link there. And we still, I believe, have a few tickets left to all believe, have a few tickets left to all believe, have a few tickets left to all events, although there's a couple I events, although there's a couple I events, although there's a couple I think that are approaching being sold think that are approaching being sold think that are approaching being sold out. So, check that out. Today's topic, out. So, check that out. Today's topic, out. So, check that out. Today's topic, in lie of um or in honor of Tiny Seed's in lie of um or in honor of Tiny Seed's in lie of um or in honor of Tiny Seed's fourth batch of applications, this is fourth batch of applications, this is fourth batch of applications, this is our fall 2021 batch. Um, in honor of our fall 2021 batch. Um, in honor of our fall 2021 batch. Um, in honor of that, we are talking or I'm going to be that, we are talking or I'm going to be that, we are talking or I'm going to be chatting with Tony Chan, who is the chatting with Tony Chan, who is the chatting with Tony Chan, who is the co-founder of Cloud Forecast. You may co-founder of Cloud Forecast. You may co-founder of Cloud Forecast. You may have seen Tony on Microconf on Air, I have seen Tony on Microconf on Air, I have seen Tony on Microconf on Air, I don't know what, six, eight months ago.

don't know what, six, eight months ago. don't know what, six, eight months ago. He was on Startups for the Rest of Us He was on Startups for the Rest of Us He was on Startups for the Rest of Us about a month or two ago talking about about a month or two ago talking about about a month or two ago talking about his experience co-founding Cloud his experience co-founding Cloud his experience co-founding Cloud Forecast. And today I'm having him back Forecast. And today I'm having him back Forecast. And today I'm having him back on because he and his co-founder are on because he and his co-founder are on because he and his co-founder are part are part of our spring 2021 batch. part are part of our spring 2021 batch. part are part of our spring 2021 batch. So, our our third batch and we're going So, our our third batch and we're going So, our our third batch and we're going to talk about joining a remote startup to talk about joining a remote startup to talk about joining a remote startup accelerator. his uh thought process accelerator. his uh thought process accelerator. his uh thought process around it, um any surprises he's around it, um any surprises he's around it, um any surprises he's encountered, benefits, uh drawbacks, you encountered, benefits, uh drawbacks, you encountered, benefits, uh drawbacks, you know, all the all the things that you know, all the all the things that you know, all the all the things that you would think of in terms of um kind of would think of in terms of um kind of would think of in terms of um kind of trying to weigh the pros and cons of trying to weigh the pros and cons of trying to weigh the pros and cons of applying and joining an accelerator. So applying and joining an accelerator. So applying and joining an accelerator. So Tony is the, as I said, CEO and Tony is the, as I said, CEO and Tony is the, as I said, CEO and co-founder of Cloud Forecast. co-founder of Cloud Forecast. co-founder of Cloud Forecast. Uh Cloud Forecast helps engineering Uh Cloud Forecast helps engineering Uh Cloud Forecast helps engineering teams monitor and eliminate wasted AWS teams monitor and eliminate wasted AWS teams monitor and eliminate wasted AWS costs, Amazon Web Service costs. cloud costs, Amazon Web Service costs. cloud costs, Amazon Web Service costs. cloud forecast.io. forecast.io. forecast.io. Tony was a former director of display Tony was a former director of display Tony was a former director of display and customer success at Perfect and customer success at Perfect and customer success at Perfect Audience. He was an early hire at Audience. He was an early hire at Audience. He was an early hire at Perfect Audience on the business side Perfect Audience on the business side Perfect Audience on the business side and he was part of the leadership team and he was part of the leadership team and he was part of the leadership team that grew the business to 8 figure ARR that grew the business to 8 figure ARR that grew the business to 8 figure ARR to an acquisition in 2014. Tony's to an acquisition in 2014. Tony's to an acquisition in 2014. Tony's interests include Chinese American interests include Chinese American interests include Chinese American history, cooking and eating. I like that history, cooking and eating. I like that history, cooking and eating. I like that one. Cooking and eating, not just one. Cooking and eating, not just one. Cooking and eating, not just cooking, volleyball, and all things cooking, volleyball, and all things cooking, volleyball, and all things Chicago. Go Socks. So, I'd encourage you Chicago. Go Socks. So, I'd encourage you Chicago. Go Socks. So, I'd encourage you to put any questions you have into the to put any questions you have into the to put any questions you have into the MicroConf on Air channel in Slack or in MicroConf on Air channel in Slack or in MicroConf on Air channel in Slack or in the uh what it's not the comments on the uh what it's not the comments on the uh what it's not the comments on YouTube, but there's a chat going on.

YouTube, but there's a chat going on. YouTube, but there's a chat going on. So, um if you have any questions for So, um if you have any questions for So, um if you have any questions for Tony, Tony, Tony, uh ask them otherwise, I'm going to get uh ask them otherwise, I'm going to get uh ask them otherwise, I'm going to get started. Tony, welcome. Thanks for started. Tony, welcome. Thanks for started. Tony, welcome. Thanks for joining us. Uh Uh oh, you're muted today, bro. oh, you're muted today, bro. oh, you're muted today, bro. Let me Let me Let me There you are. There you are. There you are. Better. Better. Better. Yep. Hey, sorry about that. Um, yeah, Yep. Hey, sorry about that. Um, yeah, Yep. Hey, sorry about that. Um, yeah, thanks for having me. I got my tiny seed thanks for having me. I got my tiny seed thanks for having me. I got my tiny seed swag on and I got my shirt on just for swag on and I got my shirt on just for swag on and I got my shirt on just for this live. So, I'm excited to chat with this live. So, I'm excited to chat with this live. So, I'm excited to chat with people and hopefully I can answer people and hopefully I can answer people and hopefully I can answer questions. Easy questions, though. questions. Easy questions, though. questions. Easy questions, though. Nothing hard. Nothing hard. Nothing hard. Awesome. Yeah. No, we're going to get Awesome. Yeah. No, we're going to get Awesome. Yeah. No, we're going to get into the hard ones. First, we'll lobby a into the hard ones. First, we'll lobby a into the hard ones. First, we'll lobby a couple softballs and then we'll dig in. couple softballs and then we'll dig in. couple softballs and then we'll dig in. Yeah. Repping Tiny Seed. So, that is one Yeah. Repping Tiny Seed. So, that is one Yeah. Repping Tiny Seed. So, that is one perk that you get for joining Tiny Seed perk that you get for joining Tiny Seed perk that you get for joining Tiny Seed is you get some swag. What swag did we is you get some swag. What swag did we is you get some swag. What swag did we send this time? Because I think we send this time? Because I think we send this time? Because I think we varied each batch. varied each batch. varied each batch. We got stickers. We got a hat, shirt. We got stickers. We got a hat, shirt. We got stickers. We got a hat, shirt. I'm I was talking to you about a hoodie I'm I was talking to you about a hoodie I'm I was talking to you about a hoodie afterwards where we can like hood each afterwards where we can like hood each afterwards where we can like hood each other uh during our our next meetup. Um other uh during our our next meetup. Um other uh during our our next meetup. Um we also get invited to chat. So yeah, we also get invited to chat. So yeah, we also get invited to chat. So yeah, there's a lot of great perks and a lot there's a lot of great perks and a lot there's a lot of great perks and a lot of great startups perks. So yeah, we get of great startups perks. So yeah, we get of great startups perks. So yeah, we get a lot of good stuff.

a lot of good stuff. a lot of good stuff. There's more more swag to come too. I There's more more swag to come too. I There's more more swag to come too. I see. I love swag. As long as I can see. I love swag. As long as I can see. I love swag. As long as I can somehow justify it in some way, shape or somehow justify it in some way, shape or somehow justify it in some way, shape or form. Man, I love seeing our logo and form. Man, I love seeing our logo and form. Man, I love seeing our logo and you know tagline on you know tagline on you know tagline on on a printed thing. And the design is on a printed thing. And the design is on a printed thing. And the design is like so clean. You know, sometimes you like so clean. You know, sometimes you like so clean. You know, sometimes you get these startup shirts and they're get these startup shirts and they're get these startup shirts and they're just kind of like eh, right? Whereas just kind of like eh, right? Whereas just kind of like eh, right? Whereas these are very clean, something I would these are very clean, something I would these are very clean, something I would wear every day going out and such. So wear every day going out and such. So wear every day going out and such. So yeah, these are great great shirts. yeah, these are great great shirts. yeah, these are great great shirts. Very cool, sir. So talk to us. There's a Very cool, sir. So talk to us. There's a Very cool, sir. So talk to us. There's a bunch of folks in the audience who have bunch of folks in the audience who have bunch of folks in the audience who have either applied or are considering, you either applied or are considering, you either applied or are considering, you know, applying to uh to Tiny Seed. So know, applying to uh to Tiny Seed. So know, applying to uh to Tiny Seed. So talk to me behind talk to me about your talk to me behind talk to me about your talk to me behind talk to me about your thought process. You're in and Francois thought process. You're in and Francois thought process. You're in and Francois who's your co-founder. your thought who's your co-founder. your thought who's your co-founder. your thought process in applying to tiny seed not process in applying to tiny seed not process in applying to tiny seed not just once not just twice but three times just once not just twice but three times just once not just twice but three times it took it took it took you might do it a fourth time just for you might do it a fourth time just for you might do it a fourth time just for that that that that's what you had said yeah you're that's what you had said yeah you're that's what you had said yeah you're going to apply this bad can we get going to apply this bad can we get going to apply this bad can we get another round of funding but no but you another round of funding but no but you another round of funding but no but you I mean you guys not only did you apply I mean you guys not only did you apply I mean you guys not only did you apply but you were committed and I don't I'm but you were committed and I don't I'm but you were committed and I don't I'm not we haven't talked about this but I not we haven't talked about this but I not we haven't talked about this but I did you apply to any other accelerators did you apply to any other accelerators did you apply to any other accelerators three times or was tiny seed like three times or was tiny seed like three times or was tiny seed like I think the other one that we applied to I think the other one that we applied to I think the other one that we applied to multiple times was Y cominator and we multiple times was Y cominator and we multiple times was Y cominator and we did that twice we went through the did that twice we went through the did that twice we went through the interview process didn't get through interview process didn't get through interview process didn't get through after that but at Tiny Seed. We were after that but at Tiny Seed. We were after that but at Tiny Seed. We were very committed to that and it was just a very committed to that and it was just a very committed to that and it was just a good fit in terms of the vision and type good fit in terms of the vision and type good fit in terms of the vision and type of company we want to build which is a of company we want to build which is a of company we want to build which is a bootstrap startup. Um you know something bootstrap startup. Um you know something bootstrap startup. Um you know something that we can have a good balance uh in that we can have a good balance uh in that we can have a good balance uh in terms of our life and other interests we terms of our life and other interests we terms of our life and other interests we have but also being very ambitious of have but also being very ambitious of have but also being very ambitious of like our growth and where we want to be like our growth and where we want to be like our growth and where we want to be as a business. So it was mostly hey as a business. So it was mostly hey as a business. So it was mostly hey these people have a good vision of where

these people have a good vision of where these people have a good vision of where they want their companies to be. it's they want their companies to be. it's they want their companies to be. it's aligned to where we want to be and also aligned to where we want to be and also aligned to where we want to be and also the companies that you all get to work the companies that you all get to work the companies that you all get to work with and advisers just and the mentors with and advisers just and the mentors with and advisers just and the mentors that you all have just seemed like a that you all have just seemed like a that you all have just seemed like a perfect fit for us. So that's why we're perfect fit for us. So that's why we're perfect fit for us. So that's why we're very committed to trying to get in very committed to trying to get in very committed to trying to get in whatever way possible even applying whatever way possible even applying whatever way possible even applying fourth, fifth, sixth time we would have fourth, fifth, sixth time we would have fourth, fifth, sixth time we would have kept trying on our side. kept trying on our side. kept trying on our side. We have a question from the chat. What We have a question from the chat. What We have a question from the chat. What other accelerator programs did you apply other accelerator programs did you apply other accelerator programs did you apply for? Obviously Y Combinator you for? Obviously Y Combinator you for? Obviously Y Combinator you mentioned. mentioned. mentioned. Yeah, I mean we've done the I think it Yeah, I mean we've done the I think it Yeah, I mean we've done the I think it used to be called earnest capital. I used to be called earnest capital. I used to be called earnest capital. I think it's called column fund now. you think it's called column fund now. you think it's called column fund now. you know, that was another one that we were know, that was another one that we were know, that was another one that we were looking into. Um, but I think we applied looking into. Um, but I think we applied looking into. Um, but I think we applied if I I we did launch or we applied for if I I we did launch or we applied for if I I we did launch or we applied for launch. We interviewed we actually launch. We interviewed we actually launch. We interviewed we actually turned out with Jason. We turned down turned out with Jason. We turned down turned out with Jason. We turned down we actually got in and we turned that we actually got in and we turned that we actually got in and we turned that down very early on because you know went down very early on because you know went down very early on because you know went back to uh the vision and what kind of back to uh the vision and what kind of back to uh the vision and what kind of company we wanted to build. uh we did I company we wanted to build. uh we did I company we wanted to build. uh we did I think we applied to over 10 different think we applied to over 10 different think we applied to over 10 different accelerators during the course of our accelerators during the course of our accelerators during the course of our lifetime before going to tiny seed and lifetime before going to tiny seed and lifetime before going to tiny seed and we got rejected by majority all of them.

we got rejected by majority all of them. we got rejected by majority all of them. So yeah but you kept coming back. Well So yeah but you kept coming back. Well So yeah but you kept coming back. Well here's the important thing not only did here's the important thing not only did here's the important thing not only did you keep coming back and applying you you keep coming back and applying you you keep coming back and applying you kept making progress on your business. kept making progress on your business. kept making progress on your business. You know the thing that I say when I You know the thing that I say when I You know the thing that I say when I speak to I speak when I used to speak to I speak when I used to speak to I speak when I used to pre-COVID when I used to talk to groups pre-COVID when I used to talk to groups pre-COVID when I used to talk to groups around uh Minneapolis of aspiring around uh Minneapolis of aspiring around uh Minneapolis of aspiring entrepreneurs I would say like revenue entrepreneurs I would say like revenue entrepreneurs I would say like revenue is the best slide deck like MR like push is the best slide deck like MR like push is the best slide deck like MR like push your business forward and you don't need your business forward and you don't need your business forward and you don't need to tell a story if your MR tells your to tell a story if your MR tells your to tell a story if your MR tells your story for you and that's really what you story for you and that's really what you story for you and that's really what you and Francois had done is you kept and Francois had done is you kept and Francois had done is you kept showing up every day shipping and month showing up every day shipping and month showing up every day shipping and month over month quarter over quarter you grew over month quarter over quarter you grew over month quarter over quarter you grew it into a business that made a lot of it into a business that made a lot of it into a business that made a lot of sense for us to back, you know, and the sense for us to back, you know, and the sense for us to back, you know, and the very first time you applied it, you were very first time you applied it, you were very first time you applied it, you were just a little early for us. And then the just a little early for us. And then the just a little early for us. And then the next time it was like on the edge and next time it was like on the edge and next time it was like on the edge and the third time it was like, yeah, that the third time it was like, yeah, that the third time it was like, yeah, that you you made it a no-brainer, right? you you made it a no-brainer, right? you you made it a no-brainer, right? You've heard that, you know, be so good You've heard that, you know, be so good You've heard that, you know, be so good they can't uh they can't ignore you. I they can't uh they can't ignore you. I they can't uh they can't ignore you. I mean, that's essentially what you grew mean, that's essentially what you grew mean, that's essentially what you grew the business into. the business into. the business into. Yeah, we, you know, just overall we Yeah, we, you know, just overall we Yeah, we, you know, just overall we tried to be persistent as possible. not tried to be persistent as possible. not tried to be persistent as possible. not only growing the business um as well but only growing the business um as well but only growing the business um as well but also just following up with you all and also just following up with you all and also just following up with you all and getting advice and like hey what are the getting advice and like hey what are the getting advice and like hey what are the reasons why we didn't get in this time reasons why we didn't get in this time reasons why we didn't get in this time right and we tried to take those advice right and we tried to take those advice right and we tried to take those advice to heart even it might be heartbreaking to heart even it might be heartbreaking to heart even it might be heartbreaking or it might be hard to hear but there's or it might be hard to hear but there's or it might be hard to hear but there's value into it right and um and we just value into it right and um and we just value into it right and um and we just tried to be persistent as possible um tried to be persistent as possible um tried to be persistent as possible um across the board everything that we do across the board everything that we do across the board everything that we do uh whether it's talking to our customers uh whether it's talking to our customers uh whether it's talking to our customers um growing the business or even just um growing the business or even just um growing the business or even just getting to acceler accelerator. I think getting to acceler accelerator. I think getting to acceler accelerator. I think being persistent is very key, especially

being persistent is very key, especially being persistent is very key, especially as a bootstrap startup. as a bootstrap startup. as a bootstrap startup. Yeah. And persistent in growing your Yeah. And persistent in growing your Yeah. And persistent in growing your business. I mean, you can certainly business. I mean, you can certainly business. I mean, you can certainly touch base with us and getting on my touch base with us and getting on my touch base with us and getting on my radar is not that hard. Send questions radar is not that hard. Send questions radar is not that hard. Send questions into startups for the rest of us. Pose into startups for the rest of us. Pose into startups for the rest of us. Pose questions in Microconf Connect, post questions in Microconf Connect, post questions in Microconf Connect, post questions in Microconf on Air. Um questions in Microconf on Air. Um questions in Microconf on Air. Um there's there's a lot of ways that I there's there's a lot of ways that I there's there's a lot of ways that I know folks or come to Micros, you know, know folks or come to Micros, you know, know folks or come to Micros, you know, I mean, there are a lot of ways I know I mean, there are a lot of ways I know I mean, there are a lot of ways I know folks who are just kind of out there folks who are just kind of out there folks who are just kind of out there doing their thing and and I recognize doing their thing and and I recognize doing their thing and and I recognize their name because we've, you know, their name because we've, you know, their name because we've, you know, we've gone through that. Um, I'm curious we've gone through that. Um, I'm curious we've gone through that. Um, I'm curious from your perspective with Tiny Seed, from your perspective with Tiny Seed, from your perspective with Tiny Seed, what were the one or two biggest what were the one or two biggest what were the one or two biggest benefits that you expected from Tiny benefits that you expected from Tiny benefits that you expected from Tiny Seed? You know, that you said this Seed? You know, that you said this Seed? You know, that you said this really is why we're applying like I really is why we're applying like I really is why we're applying like I think these one or two things is is think these one or two things is is think these one or two things is is going to drive it. And I'm curious if going to drive it. And I'm curious if going to drive it. And I'm curious if that has held up or if your opinion has that has held up or if your opinion has that has held up or if your opinion has switched, you know, and there's some switched, you know, and there's some switched, you know, and there's some there's some sleeper thing that you there's some sleeper thing that you there's some sleeper thing that you didn't expect would be super valuable didn't expect would be super valuable didn't expect would be super valuable that has been valuable now that you're that has been valuable now that you're that has been valuable now that you're you're almost four months through the you're almost four months through the you're almost four months through the program now. Yeah, I would say the one program now. Yeah, I would say the one program now. Yeah, I would say the one expecting thing is the mentorship and expecting thing is the mentorship and expecting thing is the mentorship and advice that we've gotten in terms of uh advice that we've gotten in terms of uh advice that we've gotten in terms of uh building our startup. Um there were a building our startup. Um there were a building our startup. Um there were a few things that we went through even in few things that we went through even in few things that we went through even in the last three months whether it's was the last three months whether it's was the last three months whether it's was hiring and how to hire and being hiring and how to hire and being hiring and how to hire and being thoughtful about our hiring process of thoughtful about our hiring process of thoughtful about our hiring process of our first full-time engineer where we our first full-time engineer where we our first full-time engineer where we had a lot of questions about and had a lot of questions about and had a lot of questions about and primarily the subject was how do we be primarily the subject was how do we be primarily the subject was how do we be an inclusive startup and hire people an inclusive startup and hire people an inclusive startup and hire people that might be in a underserved that might be in a underserved that might be in a underserved background or uh they might be looked background or uh they might be looked background or uh they might be looked over. And that's a very very very over. And that's a very very very over. And that's a very very very specific question about hiring to ask.

specific question about hiring to ask. specific question about hiring to ask. And we popped that into the tiny seed And we popped that into the tiny seed And we popped that into the tiny seed chat in Slack and Tracy was like, chat in Slack and Tracy was like, chat in Slack and Tracy was like, "Actually, I know someone who ran into "Actually, I know someone who ran into "Actually, I know someone who ran into the same exact problem and situation and the same exact problem and situation and the same exact problem and situation and she connected us with um a few folks she connected us with um a few folks she connected us with um a few folks that um where we just had a really good that um where we just had a really good that um where we just had a really good conversation about that subject, right? conversation about that subject, right? conversation about that subject, right? And I think the ability to just reach And I think the ability to just reach And I think the ability to just reach out to people who has gone through out to people who has gone through out to people who has gone through something similar and just be able to something similar and just be able to something similar and just be able to ask question and get good advice and ask question and get good advice and ask question and get good advice and sound advice of that same exact sound advice of that same exact sound advice of that same exact situation. It was expected but it was situation. It was expected but it was situation. It was expected but it was also very surprising too. I was like wow also very surprising too. I was like wow also very surprising too. I was like wow that is something very very specific and that is something very very specific and that is something very very specific and something that someone specifically has something that someone specifically has something that someone specifically has s I wouldn't say solved but have been s I wouldn't say solved but have been s I wouldn't say solved but have been through and gotten good advice on. through and gotten good advice on. through and gotten good advice on. So that was really really cool to see So that was really really cool to see So that was really really cool to see and kind of go through and be part of as and kind of go through and be part of as and kind of go through and be part of as well. Yeah, that's a that's a big one well. Yeah, that's a that's a big one well. Yeah, that's a that's a big one and I think is perhaps and I think is perhaps and I think is perhaps underrated maybe. I think people see the underrated maybe. I think people see the underrated maybe. I think people see the you know if you go to tinyc.com/people you know if you go to tinyc.com/people you know if you go to tinyc.com/people you can see our mentors and it it is you can see our mentors and it it is you can see our mentors and it it is like you know a a laundry list of like you know a a laundry list of like you know a a laundry list of worldclass SAS founders and subject worldclass SAS founders and subject worldclass SAS founders and subject matter experts. It's it's amazing. But matter experts. It's it's amazing. But matter experts. It's it's amazing. But beyond that, um, and and getting advice beyond that, um, and and getting advice beyond that, um, and and getting advice from them and hear, you know, getting from them and hear, you know, getting from them and hear, you know, getting them to look at your stuff and and them to look at your stuff and and them to look at your stuff and and giving feedback and stuff, there is that giving feedback and stuff, there is that giving feedback and stuff, there is that community inside TinyC just the community inside TinyC just the community inside TinyC just the day-to-day where like, hey, I need a day-to-day where like, hey, I need a day-to-day where like, hey, I need a response. I'm trying to figure out response. I'm trying to figure out response. I'm trying to figure out Stripe coupons or I I considering an app Stripe coupons or I I considering an app Stripe coupons or I I considering an app sumo deal. Would someone jump on a call sumo deal. Would someone jump on a call sumo deal. Would someone jump on a call with me or, you know, does anyone know with me or, you know, does anyone know with me or, you know, does anyone know anyone who's done XYZ? It's very very anyone who's done XYZ? It's very very anyone who's done XYZ? It's very very rare, if ever, that that that the answer

rare, if ever, that that that the answer rare, if ever, that that that the answer is no, we don't know anyone. like it has is no, we don't know anyone. like it has is no, we don't know anyone. like it has to be a really specific thing because to be a really specific thing because to be a really specific thing because otherwise it's like yeah we know a lot otherwise it's like yeah we know a lot otherwise it's like yeah we know a lot of people either in the batch in the in of people either in the batch in the in of people either in the batch in the in the tiny seed the tiny seed the tiny seed um batches themselves right because um batches themselves right because um batches themselves right because we've funded 41 companies now I believe we've funded 41 companies now I believe we've funded 41 companies now I believe somewhere in that range somewhere in that range somewhere in that range yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah you know and and it's like the community you know and and it's like the community you know and and it's like the community I think is is a big thing I think is is a big thing I think is is a big thing yeah I I I would say that's I would say yeah I I I would say that's I would say yeah I I I would say that's I would say how friendly and great everyone is I how friendly and great everyone is I how friendly and great everyone is I mean it was expected but also unexpected mean it was expected but also unexpected mean it was expected but also unexpected how proactive people are with checking how proactive people are with checking how proactive people are with checking in with each other. in with each other. in with each other. Um, you know, within our batch, uh, Andy Um, you know, within our batch, uh, Andy Um, you know, within our batch, uh, Andy at Postaga, you I had a lot of good at Postaga, you I had a lot of good at Postaga, you I had a lot of good conversation with him in the beginning conversation with him in the beginning conversation with him in the beginning when we first got into Tiny Seed. And when we first got into Tiny Seed. And when we first got into Tiny Seed. And one of the first things he mentioned, one of the first things he mentioned, one of the first things he mentioned, he's like, "Hey, Tony, I'm I'm I he's like, "Hey, Tony, I'm I'm I he's like, "Hey, Tony, I'm I'm I wouldn't say he said, I was I'm worried wouldn't say he said, I was I'm worried wouldn't say he said, I was I'm worried about you. Not worried like in a bad way about you. Not worried like in a bad way about you. Not worried like in a bad way like um like I'm doing bad, but like I I like um like I'm doing bad, but like I I like um like I'm doing bad, but like I I just want to make sure you're in a good just want to make sure you're in a good just want to make sure you're in a good headsp space and that you are also headsp space and that you are also headsp space and that you are also mentally healthy as well." And you know, mentally healthy as well." And you know, mentally healthy as well." And you know, once every other week, he just sends me once every other week, he just sends me once every other week, he just sends me a DM like, "Hey, how are things going?

a DM like, "Hey, how are things going? a DM like, "Hey, how are things going? You doing all right? What's going on?" You doing all right? What's going on?" You doing all right? What's going on?" And that was that's really cool, right? And that was that's really cool, right? And that was that's really cool, right? Like as you're doing this as a whether Like as you're doing this as a whether Like as you're doing this as a whether solo founder or two person founder, you solo founder or two person founder, you solo founder or two person founder, you can kind of get lonely, right? And it's can kind of get lonely, right? And it's can kind of get lonely, right? And it's always good to have people that you can always good to have people that you can always good to have people that you can just chat with um and just ask for just chat with um and just ask for just chat with um and just ask for advice or just just talk about nonsense advice or just just talk about nonsense advice or just just talk about nonsense as well. as well. as well. Yep. We have a couple good questions Yep. We have a couple good questions Yep. We have a couple good questions from the chat. Uh, Vikas asked, "What from the chat. Uh, Vikas asked, "What from the chat. Uh, Vikas asked, "What are the top three reasons for joining an are the top three reasons for joining an are the top three reasons for joining an accelerator program?" And I'd love to accelerator program?" And I'd love to accelerator program?" And I'd love to hear your opinion as a founder. I of hear your opinion as a founder. I of hear your opinion as a founder. I of course have my own opinions. course have my own opinions. course have my own opinions. Yeah, I think there was, you know, for Yeah, I think there was, you know, for Yeah, I think there was, you know, for us personally, um, the the money is nice us personally, um, the the money is nice us personally, um, the the money is nice like at at the time we applied, what we like at at the time we applied, what we like at at the time we applied, what we were making in profits was sustaining were making in profits was sustaining were making in profits was sustaining the business, right? But also, that's the business, right? But also, that's the business, right? But also, that's why they call an accelerator, right? to why they call an accelerator, right? to why they call an accelerator, right? to help accelerate and make bigger bets in help accelerate and make bigger bets in help accelerate and make bigger bets in different areas of your business where different areas of your business where different areas of your business where you might have good data points on. So you might have good data points on. So you might have good data points on. So for us specifically on the money side, for us specifically on the money side, for us specifically on the money side, right, like instead of just doing like a right, like instead of just doing like a right, like instead of just doing like a little test here and there on the little test here and there on the little test here and there on the marketing side, we can make bigger bets marketing side, we can make bigger bets marketing side, we can make bigger bets on where we feel that that is the source on where we feel that that is the source on where we feel that that is the source of growth and channel that we can put a of growth and channel that we can put a of growth and channel that we can put a lot of money into and test things out as lot of money into and test things out as lot of money into and test things out as well, right? So accelerate in that way.

well, right? So accelerate in that way. well, right? So accelerate in that way. also accelerate in headcount. Like we also accelerate in headcount. Like we also accelerate in headcount. Like we were able like we probably if we didn't were able like we probably if we didn't were able like we probably if we didn't take funding we pro we were probably take funding we pro we were probably take funding we pro we were probably about maybe six or nine months out from about maybe six or nine months out from about maybe six or nine months out from hiring our first full-time engineer, hiring our first full-time engineer, hiring our first full-time engineer, right? Because we were very cash right? Because we were very cash right? Because we were very cash conscious and like okay this is how we conscious and like okay this is how we conscious and like okay this is how we need to spend our money. Uh we got to need to spend our money. Uh we got to need to spend our money. Uh we got to make sure we're still cash positive and make sure we're still cash positive and make sure we're still cash positive and like we still have the lights turned on. like we still have the lights turned on. like we still have the lights turned on. Whereas um having that money gives us a Whereas um having that money gives us a Whereas um having that money gives us a chance to uh plan for things in the chance to uh plan for things in the chance to uh plan for things in the future like okay this is how our growth future like okay this is how our growth future like okay this is how our growth trajectory is. we can make that bet now trajectory is. we can make that bet now trajectory is. we can make that bet now and then as we grow you know everything and then as we grow you know everything and then as we grow you know everything will kind of cover itself and kind of will kind of cover itself and kind of will kind of cover itself and kind of pay for it. So we were able to hire our pay for it. So we were able to hire our pay for it. So we were able to hire our first full-time engineer. Um another first full-time engineer. Um another first full-time engineer. Um another part as mentioned the mentorship advice part as mentioned the mentorship advice part as mentioned the mentorship advice is great as well. I think that's really is great as well. I think that's really is great as well. I think that's really important and just having access to um important and just having access to um important and just having access to um people like Rob the mentors in Tracy and people like Rob the mentors in Tracy and people like Rob the mentors in Tracy and just community is also really important just community is also really important just community is also really important too. Um I think also there's a level of too. Um I think also there's a level of too. Um I think also there's a level of confidence that you get as well like hey confidence that you get as well like hey confidence that you get as well like hey you made it to accelerator right you are you made it to accelerator right you are you made it to accelerator right you are a legit business uh you can kind of move a legit business uh you can kind of move a legit business uh you can kind of move forward to kind of uh posting that on forward to kind of uh posting that on forward to kind of uh posting that on any social media channel there's a lot any social media channel there's a lot any social media channel there's a lot of social proof like hey we are here to of social proof like hey we are here to of social proof like hey we are here to stay and we're here to grow and here to stay and we're here to grow and here to stay and we're here to grow and here to be ambitious. So I would say those are be ambitious. So I would say those are be ambitious. So I would say those are the three main benefits that we received the three main benefits that we received the three main benefits that we received so far as um as a tiny seed company.

so far as um as a tiny seed company. so far as um as a tiny seed company. Very good. Yeah. And what we find is Very good. Yeah. And what we find is Very good. Yeah. And what we find is that the moment we list our companies uh that the moment we list our companies uh that the moment we list our companies uh on our homepage, we they tend to start on our homepage, we they tend to start on our homepage, we they tend to start getting inbound interest from potential getting inbound interest from potential getting inbound interest from potential acquirers, potential more funding, you acquirers, potential more funding, you acquirers, potential more funding, you know, things just start to to come about know, things just start to to come about know, things just start to to come about from that. The three things from my from that. The three things from my from that. The three things from my perspective, I'll run through them perspective, I'll run through them perspective, I'll run through them quickly. Um that I think I've seen as a quickly. Um that I think I've seen as a quickly. Um that I think I've seen as a generality across, you know, not in your generality across, you know, not in your generality across, you know, not in your individual case, but as a generality. Uh individual case, but as a generality. Uh individual case, but as a generality. Uh the number one is is the advice and the the number one is is the advice and the the number one is is the advice and the mentorship and the network. And it's um mentorship and the network. And it's um mentorship and the network. And it's um like you said, it's it's having someone like you said, it's it's having someone like you said, it's it's having someone who's been there before give you very who's been there before give you very who's been there before give you very specific advice when they really have specific advice when they really have specific advice when they really have their head around your business. Um and their head around your business. Um and their head around your business. Um and the network part of that is even if I the network part of that is even if I the network part of that is even if I don't know the answer, I know someone don't know the answer, I know someone don't know the answer, I know someone who does, right? Very very likely. So who does, right? Very very likely. So who does, right? Very very likely. So that that part to be able to just use that that part to be able to just use that that part to be able to just use that extended network is big. The second that extended network is big. The second that extended network is big. The second thing is the community is being in the thing is the community is being in the thing is the community is being in the Slack with you know it's all of most of Slack with you know it's all of most of Slack with you know it's all of most of our LPs are in there and they're often our LPs are in there and they're often our LPs are in there and they're often accomplished founders themselves. So accomplished founders themselves. So accomplished founders themselves. So they weigh in um the other folks in the they weigh in um the other folks in the they weigh in um the other folks in the batches themselves and even batches themselves and even batches themselves and even you know there we have multiple you know there we have multiple you know there we have multiple companies now since we've been going for companies now since we've been going for companies now since we've been going for two and a half three years multiple two and a half three years multiple two and a half three years multiple companies doing seven figure ARR they're companies doing seven figure ARR they're companies doing seven figure ARR they're just a little bit ahead of you just far just a little bit ahead of you just far just a little bit ahead of you just far enough that they still remember what it enough that they still remember what it enough that they still remember what it was like to be in your shoes you know so was like to be in your shoes you know so was like to be in your shoes you know so they weigh in I weigh in it's great they weigh in I weigh in it's great they weigh in I weigh in it's great multiple perspectives and then the the multiple perspectives and then the the multiple perspectives and then the the third thing and I kind of rank this third thing and I kind of rank this third thing and I kind of rank this third for most companies is the funding third for most companies is the funding third for most companies is the funding the capital is is great but I think that the capital is is great but I think that the capital is is great but I think that it is the it is an overrated part of uh it is the it is an overrated part of uh it is the it is an overrated part of uh accelerators Unless you're really early accelerators Unless you're really early accelerators Unless you're really early now, you know, you fund someone who's now, you know, you fund someone who's now, you know, you fund someone who's doing 2K MR, 5K MR, okay, the money

doing 2K MR, 5K MR, okay, the money doing 2K MR, 5K MR, okay, the money really does make a difference. By the really does make a difference. By the really does make a difference. By the time you hit 15, 20, 30K MR, which you time you hit 15, 20, 30K MR, which you time you hit 15, 20, 30K MR, which you know, many of the companies we funded know, many of the companies we funded know, many of the companies we funded are in that range. are in that range. are in that range. It it just is less um impactful on the It it just is less um impactful on the It it just is less um impactful on the business, I would say. And and the business, I would say. And and the business, I would say. And and the advice, mentorship, network, and advice, mentorship, network, and advice, mentorship, network, and community are so much more. They the community are so much more. They the community are so much more. They the funding is a one-time injection, and funding is a one-time injection, and funding is a one-time injection, and that other stuff, that other stuff, that other stuff, you know, it lasts the whole year in you know, it lasts the whole year in you know, it lasts the whole year in essence. So, essence. So, essence. So, yeah, absolutely. Like, we were yeah, absolutely. Like, we were yeah, absolutely. Like, we were definitely not motivated by the funding. definitely not motivated by the funding. definitely not motivated by the funding. I would say the other two were probably I would say the other two were probably I would say the other two were probably the most important to us. It was more the most important to us. It was more the most important to us. It was more like a nice to have to kind of like like a nice to have to kind of like like a nice to have to kind of like cool, we can hire someone that can help cool, we can hire someone that can help cool, we can hire someone that can help us move on the product a little bit us move on the product a little bit us move on the product a little bit faster. faster. faster. Yep. All right. Well, we have another we Yep. All right. Well, we have another we Yep. All right. Well, we have another we have a question from Spencer. Thanks. In have a question from Spencer. Thanks. In have a question from Spencer. Thanks. In Microsoft Connect, and I we kind of Microsoft Connect, and I we kind of Microsoft Connect, and I we kind of already answered it, but he said, you already answered it, but he said, you already answered it, but he said, you know, did you do did you apply primarily know, did you do did you apply primarily know, did you do did you apply primarily for the mentorship, the funding, or for the mentorship, the funding, or for the mentorship, the funding, or something else entirely? Feel like we uh something else entirely? Feel like we uh something else entirely? Feel like we uh just covered that. YT or YouTube just covered that. YT or YouTube just covered that. YT or YouTube question says, "Does your company need question says, "Does your company need question says, "Does your company need to be earning um x amount of MR to apply to be earning um x amount of MR to apply to be earning um x amount of MR to apply for tiny seed?" You know, yes, if you for tiny seed?" You know, yes, if you for tiny seed?" You know, yes, if you have zero, if you're pre-revenue, I have zero, if you're pre-revenue, I have zero, if you're pre-revenue, I would encourage you to not to to not would encourage you to not to to not would encourage you to not to to not apply. We are now having applications apply. We are now having applications apply. We are now having applications every six months, get to revenue, $500 a every six months, get to revenue, $500 a every six months, get to revenue, $500 a month, $1,000 a month. I mean, that's month, $1,000 a month. I mean, that's month, $1,000 a month. I mean, that's kind of the bottom end range of of kind of the bottom end range of of kind of the bottom end range of of companies we're funding these days. Um, companies we're funding these days. Um, companies we're funding these days. Um, Aryan asks, "Could you specify some Aryan asks, "Could you specify some Aryan asks, "Could you specify some metrics like MR error that helped you metrics like MR error that helped you metrics like MR error that helped you qualify for tiny seed?" I Well, I don't qualify for tiny seed?" I Well, I don't qualify for tiny seed?" I Well, I don't know that you would particularly know know that you would particularly know know that you would particularly know that. Uh, you know, you know, Tony, that. Uh, you know, you know, Tony, that. Uh, you know, you know, Tony, where you know, how you were growing at where you know, how you were growing at where you know, how you were growing at the time, but um I think that it has the time, but um I think that it has the time, but um I think that it has depended on the batch and it depends on depended on the batch and it depends on depended on the batch and it depends on how many applicants we get and how far

how many applicants we get and how far how many applicants we get and how far along they are. And that's where I along they are. And that's where I along they are. And that's where I having a hard and fast rule is tough for having a hard and fast rule is tough for having a hard and fast rule is tough for me. I would hate to say well we'll never me. I would hate to say well we'll never me. I would hate to say well we'll never fund someone below a thousand or 2,000 fund someone below a thousand or 2,000 fund someone below a thousand or 2,000 because you know we have but as a rule because you know we have but as a rule because you know we have but as a rule of thumb MR is one of many many metrics of thumb MR is one of many many metrics of thumb MR is one of many many metrics right that we look at to figure out are right that we look at to figure out are right that we look at to figure out are these founders going to ship how big is these founders going to ship how big is these founders going to ship how big is the space what's how much product market the space what's how much product market the space what's how much product market fit do they have um what's their MR like fit do they have um what's their MR like fit do they have um what's their MR like it's it's a big equation uh mental it's it's a big equation uh mental it's it's a big equation uh mental equation I think so I don't think equation I think so I don't think equation I think so I don't think there's a hard and fast uh number I there's a hard and fast uh number I there's a hard and fast uh number I would assign to would assign to would assign to it and if and if you don't qualify in it and if and if you don't qualify in it and if and if you don't qualify in terms of based on kind of what you said terms of based on kind of what you said terms of based on kind of what you said I think it's important to maybe just I think it's important to maybe just I think it's important to maybe just throw application in a word document and throw application in a word document and throw application in a word document and go through that exercise yourself on go through that exercise yourself on go through that exercise yourself on your startup because I feel like the Y your startup because I feel like the Y your startup because I feel like the Y cominator application and the tiny CI cominator application and the tiny CI cominator application and the tiny CI application has a lot of really good application has a lot of really good application has a lot of really good questions to kind of poke into what questions to kind of poke into what questions to kind of poke into what you're trying to build and ask the you're trying to build and ask the you're trying to build and ask the questions needed to see um it's just a questions needed to see um it's just a questions needed to see um it's just a good exercise for yourself to say okay good exercise for yourself to say okay good exercise for yourself to say okay how big is the market what's the problem how big is the market what's the problem how big is the market what's the problem you're trying to solve and all that kind you're trying to solve and all that kind you're trying to solve and all that kind of stuff like it's it's really important of stuff like it's it's really important of stuff like it's it's really important to know how to talk about your company to know how to talk about your company to know how to talk about your company um and I think it's a good baseline even um and I think it's a good baseline even um and I think it's a good baseline even if you're not going to apply this round if you're not going to apply this round if you're not going to apply this round yeah I agree and as as I that every 6 yeah I agree and as as I that every 6 yeah I agree and as as I that every 6 months now. So it's frequent enough that months now. So it's frequent enough that months now. So it's frequent enough that you can get a bit of traction and and you can get a bit of traction and and you can get a bit of traction and and circle back with us. Vikas asked, "Do we circle back with us. Vikas asked, "Do we circle back with us. Vikas asked, "Do we have to have a US registered business have to have a US registered business have to have a US registered business for this program or does it matter?" So for this program or does it matter?" So for this program or does it matter?" So this fund for for the current batch is this fund for for the current batch is this fund for for the current batch is uh the Americas. So it's North America, uh the Americas. So it's North America, uh the Americas. So it's North America, South America. So we funded a company in South America. So we funded a company in South America. So we funded a company in Latin America. If you were had a Latin America. If you were had a Latin America. If you were had a Canadian entity, I believe someone has a Canadian entity, I believe someone has a Canadian entity, I believe someone has a US Virgin Islands company that we're US Virgin Islands company that we're US Virgin Islands company that we're going to be f they're kind of coming in going to be f they're kind of coming in going to be f they're kind of coming in mid- batch. But so for this one, that's

mid- batch. But so for this one, that's mid- batch. But so for this one, that's what you would need to have. You do not what you would need to have. You do not what you would need to have. You do not need to be located in the United States. need to be located in the United States. need to be located in the United States. We have many founders who live outside We have many founders who live outside We have many founders who live outside the US and outside the Americas. the US and outside the Americas. the US and outside the Americas. Frankly, we have founders in Australia, Frankly, we have founders in Australia, Frankly, we have founders in Australia, in Western Europe. Um, in Western Europe. Um, in Western Europe. Um, and how's that usually set up, Rob? Are and how's that usually set up, Rob? Are and how's that usually set up, Rob? Are they set up like as a Delaware CC Corp they set up like as a Delaware CC Corp they set up like as a Delaware CC Corp as on their side or LLC? as on their side or LLC? as on their side or LLC? Either one they can choose. Um folks you Either one they can choose. Um folks you Either one they can choose. Um folks you if they don't have an entity they if they don't have an entity they if they don't have an entity they usually you know we have free Stripe usually you know we have free Stripe usually you know we have free Stripe Atlas so they just could do that uh that Atlas so they just could do that uh that Atlas so they just could do that uh that normally cost 500 bucks but they're able normally cost 500 bucks but they're able normally cost 500 bucks but they're able to do it through Tiny Seed to do it through Tiny Seed to do it through Tiny Seed and um they choose LLC or CC Corp. you and um they choose LLC or CC Corp. you and um they choose LLC or CC Corp. you know, if they think they want to run it know, if they think they want to run it know, if they think they want to run it and pull profits off, it's going to be and pull profits off, it's going to be and pull profits off, it's going to be an LLC. If you think you may want to an LLC. If you think you may want to an LLC. If you think you may want to exit, um it makes more sense to have a exit, um it makes more sense to have a exit, um it makes more sense to have a CC court because you can get there's CC court because you can get there's CC court because you can get there's QSBS qualified small business stock QSBS qualified small business stock QSBS qualified small business stock where you can sell it and pay no federal where you can sell it and pay no federal where you can sell it and pay no federal um income tax or I'm sorry, c no federal um income tax or I'm sorry, c no federal um income tax or I'm sorry, c no federal capital gains assuming you qual you know capital gains assuming you qual you know capital gains assuming you qual you know there there are some asterisks there so there there are some asterisks there so there there are some asterisks there so do more research. But folks who think do more research. But folks who think do more research. But folks who think they want to Yeah. Anyway, so they get they want to Yeah. Anyway, so they get they want to Yeah. Anyway, so they get to choose. Uh we can't we aren't legally to choose. Uh we can't we aren't legally to choose. Uh we can't we aren't legally allowed to fund S corps. Uh they're rare allowed to fund S corps. Uh they're rare allowed to fund S corps. Uh they're rare anyways. But yeah, LLC's and CC Corps anyways. But yeah, LLC's and CC Corps anyways. But yeah, LLC's and CC Corps and we will fund in all 50 states.

and we will fund in all 50 states. and we will fund in all 50 states. Although we have definitely found that Although we have definitely found that Although we have definitely found that just Delawarees are easier. If you go just Delawarees are easier. If you go just Delawarees are easier. If you go through Stripe Atlas, we know the through Stripe Atlas, we know the through Stripe Atlas, we know the paperwork now and the due diligence is paperwork now and the due diligence is paperwork now and the due diligence is super simple. super simple. super simple. Yep. Completely agree. And I think most Yep. Completely agree. And I think most Yep. Completely agree. And I think most attorneys and lawyers that will help you attorneys and lawyers that will help you attorneys and lawyers that will help you through the due diligence process and through the due diligence process and through the due diligence process and such would prefer that as well. It just such would prefer that as well. It just such would prefer that as well. It just makes it a lot easier. makes it a lot easier. makes it a lot easier. Right. And we are now we're just in the Right. And we are now we're just in the Right. And we are now we're just in the early days of raising a European fund early days of raising a European fund early days of raising a European fund where we want to expand and be able to where we want to expand and be able to where we want to expand and be able to support um entities in I believe we'll support um entities in I believe we'll support um entities in I believe we'll probably pick one entity, one probably pick one entity, one probably pick one entity, one jurisdiction, one entity uh and so folks jurisdiction, one entity uh and so folks jurisdiction, one entity uh and so folks can can potentially still can can potentially still can can potentially still any any countries in particular that any any countries in particular that any any countries in particular that looks interesting like based on the looks interesting like based on the looks interesting like based on the batch that you've seen uh with kind of batch that you've seen uh with kind of batch that you've seen uh with kind of the entities or jurisdictions that the entities or jurisdictions that the entities or jurisdictions that you're seeing in Europe. in Europe. you're seeing in Europe. in Europe. you're seeing in Europe. in Europe. Yeah, I mean we see a lot of startups um Yeah, I mean we see a lot of startups um Yeah, I mean we see a lot of startups um coming like bootstrap startups coming coming like bootstrap startups coming coming like bootstrap startups coming out of the UK, out of the UK, out of the UK, uh Germany and let me think I think uh Germany and let me think I think uh Germany and let me think I think those would be the probably the top two those would be the probably the top two those would be the probably the top two by a mile. And frankly, it's interesting by a mile. And frankly, it's interesting by a mile. And frankly, it's interesting because that's also the attendees of because that's also the attendees of because that's also the attendees of MicroC Europe tend to be the most come MicroC Europe tend to be the most come MicroC Europe tend to be the most come from UK, second from Germany, third from from UK, second from Germany, third from from UK, second from Germany, third from US. So it like it it lines up. And then US. So it like it it lines up. And then US. So it like it it lines up. And then but then on the in the AP pack side but then on the in the AP pack side but then on the in the AP pack side because longer term, right, we're going because longer term, right, we're going because longer term, right, we're going to raise a Asia-Pacific fund and back to raise a Asia-Pacific fund and back to raise a Asia-Pacific fund and back companies in companies in companies in in the Asia Pacific. Um that's New in the Asia Pacific. Um that's New in the Asia Pacific. Um that's New Zealand, Australia, and then we see some Zealand, Australia, and then we see some Zealand, Australia, and then we see some folks uh in well, you know, in in the in folks uh in well, you know, in in the in folks uh in well, you know, in in the in Asian countries um also doing that, but Asian countries um also doing that, but Asian countries um also doing that, but that's a little further down the line.

that's a little further down the line. that's a little further down the line. Uh, okay. Spencer asked Tony has has Uh, okay. Spencer asked Tony has has Uh, okay. Spencer asked Tony has has being in tiny seed improved your being in tiny seed improved your being in tiny seed improved your company's credibility when selling to company's credibility when selling to company's credibility when selling to larger customers. larger customers. larger customers. I think our what we do in our space is I think our what we do in our space is I think our what we do in our space is has not um we we sell to engineers and has not um we we sell to engineers and has not um we we sell to engineers and we sell to people who are very we sell to people who are very we sell to people who are very technical. Um, so what's more important technical. Um, so what's more important technical. Um, so what's more important in terms of the selling process is our in terms of the selling process is our in terms of the selling process is our technical knowledge and knowhow and just technical knowledge and knowhow and just technical knowledge and knowhow and just having a product that works and brings having a product that works and brings having a product that works and brings them value and solve the problem. That's them value and solve the problem. That's them value and solve the problem. That's more important to engineers than the more important to engineers than the more important to engineers than the credentials for the most part. Um so credentials for the most part. Um so credentials for the most part. Um so that's been however from talking to that's been however from talking to that's been however from talking to other people in our batch that has other people in our batch that has other people in our batch that has become important especially if their become important especially if their become important especially if their product is selling into founders or product is selling into founders or product is selling into founders or bootstrap startups or within that space bootstrap startups or within that space bootstrap startups or within that space I think that's been helpful like savvy I think that's been helpful like savvy I think that's been helpful like savvy cow I think that was really helpful for cow I think that was really helpful for cow I think that was really helpful for them right just be a tiny seed company them right just be a tiny seed company them right just be a tiny seed company even though he he he has the audience even though he he he has the audience even though he he he has the audience from his podcast and such but there are from his podcast and such but there are from his podcast and such but there are other companies that I know that has other companies that I know that has other companies that I know that has helped with just having that tiny seed helped with just having that tiny seed helped with just having that tiny seed batch in terms of selling into batch in terms of selling into batch in terms of selling into enterprise or even smaller customers is enterprise or even smaller customers is enterprise or even smaller customers is having that social proof on their side.

having that social proof on their side. having that social proof on their side. Yep. Yeah, that has happened. And then Yep. Yeah, that has happened. And then Yep. Yeah, that has happened. And then there are a few well there are several there are a few well there are several there are a few well there are several companies where it being part of tiny companies where it being part of tiny companies where it being part of tiny seed in particular may not have made a seed in particular may not have made a seed in particular may not have made a difference but the fact that they can difference but the fact that they can difference but the fact that they can say look we are a funded company now you say look we are a funded company now you say look we are a funded company now you know even it it gives some even though know even it it gives some even though know even it it gives some even though you know they're selling to construction you know they're selling to construction you know they're selling to construction firms or you know or security firms or firms or you know or security firms or firms or you know or security firms or whatever and they haven't heard of tiny whatever and they haven't heard of tiny whatever and they haven't heard of tiny seed maybe but they but the fact that seed maybe but they but the fact that seed maybe but they but the fact that they are funded we have money in the they are funded we have money in the they are funded we have money in the bank we're you know that that lends a bank we're you know that that lends a bank we're you know that that lends a little more little more little more right that question does come well it right that question does come well it right that question does come well it has come up right but at that time we has come up right but at that time we has come up right but at that time we weren't entire seed. But like once weren't entire seed. But like once weren't entire seed. But like once again, it goes back to our audience. again, it goes back to our audience. again, it goes back to our audience. They they they actually like that we're They they they actually like that we're They they they actually like that we're we're well now mostly bootstrapped. we're well now mostly bootstrapped. we're well now mostly bootstrapped. They're like, "Wow, good for you." You They're like, "Wow, good for you." You They're like, "Wow, good for you." You know, that's really cool to see, right? know, that's really cool to see, right? know, that's really cool to see, right? So, So, So, y it's every little bit helps, y it's every little bit helps, y it's every little bit helps, especially when those questions come up especially when those questions come up especially when those questions come up during the enterprise um sales process. during the enterprise um sales process. during the enterprise um sales process. Yep. Yep. Yep. Here's here's a question and I'm going Here's here's a question and I'm going Here's here's a question and I'm going to throw it out to you first and then to throw it out to you first and then to throw it out to you first and then I'll answer with the you know the answer I'll answer with the you know the answer I'll answer with the you know the answer that that uh I do. So, someone's asking that that uh I do. So, someone's asking that that uh I do. So, someone's asking about evaluating startups for the about evaluating startups for the about evaluating startups for the accelerator. before a startup is accelerator. before a startup is accelerator. before a startup is accepted into the program, what are the accepted into the program, what are the accepted into the program, what are the various traits you look at uh look at in various traits you look at uh look at in various traits you look at uh look at in the business or the founder. So my the business or the founder. So my the business or the founder. So my question for you is Tony if you were you question for you is Tony if you were you question for you is Tony if you were you know interviewing folks for an know interviewing folks for an know interviewing folks for an accelerator like because we've actually accelerator like because we've actually accelerator like because we've actually talked about having tiny seed alum talked about having tiny seed alum talked about having tiny seed alum because so Y cominator alum will will because so Y cominator alum will will because so Y cominator alum will will come in and interview folks and I think come in and interview folks and I think come in and interview folks and I think longer term that's going to be a thing longer term that's going to be a thing longer term that's going to be a thing because Tracy Anar and I can only you because Tracy Anar and I can only you because Tracy Anar and I can only you know handle so many people. Um, so if know handle so many people. Um, so if know handle so many people. Um, so if you were to start interviewing in six you were to start interviewing in six you were to start interviewing in six months or a year or whatever, what would months or a year or whatever, what would months or a year or whatever, what would be, you know, a few traits that you be, you know, a few traits that you be, you know, a few traits that you would look about that you would look at

would look about that you would look at would look about that you would look at whether around the founder or the or the whether around the founder or the or the whether around the founder or the or the company itself? company itself? company itself? I like for me personally, I've always I like for me personally, I've always I like for me personally, I've always felt felt felt the founder in itself is very important, the founder in itself is very important, the founder in itself is very important, right? Their experience, right? Their experience, right? Their experience, um, their domain expertise and just um, their domain expertise and just um, their domain expertise and just being a good person as well is really being a good person as well is really being a good person as well is really important. um and just uh seeing a sense important. um and just uh seeing a sense important. um and just uh seeing a sense of perseverance and persistence as well of perseverance and persistence as well of perseverance and persistence as well is really important. So I would ask is really important. So I would ask is really important. So I would ask questions around that and kind of try to questions around that and kind of try to questions around that and kind of try to poke a little bit more and learn about poke a little bit more and learn about poke a little bit more and learn about like okay what's your background your like okay what's your background your like okay what's your background your experience you know what what have you experience you know what what have you experience you know what what have you done what's your domain experience in done what's your domain experience in done what's your domain experience in that um because for me if the founder is that um because for me if the founder is that um because for me if the founder is consistent shows up every day as you consistent shows up every day as you consistent shows up every day as you mentioned and is very persistent and um mentioned and is very persistent and um mentioned and is very persistent and um just works very hard you know they just works very hard you know they just works very hard you know they they'll figure it out right it might be they'll figure it out right it might be they'll figure it out right it might be not the first idea and might fail but not the first idea and might fail but not the first idea and might fail but like they'll figure it out so for me I'm like they'll figure it out so for me I'm like they'll figure it out so for me I'm I'm very founder focused in terms of uh I'm very founder focused in terms of uh I'm very founder focused in terms of uh the traits uh because that at the end of the traits uh because that at the end of the traits uh because that at the end of the day that's the person that's going the day that's the person that's going the day that's the person that's going to be uh growing the business, running to be uh growing the business, running to be uh growing the business, running the business, and figuring things out the business, and figuring things out the business, and figuring things out and showing up every day. So I that's and showing up every day. So I that's and showing up every day. So I that's for me number one part.

for me number one part. for me number one part. I like it. And for us, I've mentioned I like it. And for us, I've mentioned I like it. And for us, I've mentioned this before, but we have a a doc that I this before, but we have a a doc that I this before, but we have a a doc that I just pulled up. Let's see, it's about just pulled up. Let's see, it's about just pulled up. Let's see, it's about three pages. It's about it's somewhere three pages. It's about it's somewhere three pages. It's about it's somewhere 30 bullets. And we this is the tiny seed 30 bullets. And we this is the tiny seed 30 bullets. And we this is the tiny seed uh you know evaluation criteria and uh you know evaluation criteria and uh you know evaluation criteria and there are traits and then there's there are traits and then there's there are traits and then there's progress. And to your point we have progress. And to your point we have progress. And to your point we have founder traits which as you said is like founder traits which as you said is like founder traits which as you said is like ambition, hustle, are they laid-back, ambition, hustle, are they laid-back, ambition, hustle, are they laid-back, intelligent, you know, bullshitter or intelligent, you know, bullshitter or intelligent, you know, bullshitter or non-bullshitter or coachable? Are they non-bullshitter or coachable? Are they non-bullshitter or coachable? Are they connected in a network? Do they have connected in a network? Do they have connected in a network? Do they have technical chops, marketing chops, SAS technical chops, marketing chops, SAS technical chops, marketing chops, SAS chops? So there's like founder traits. chops? So there's like founder traits. chops? So there's like founder traits. Then there's market traits like what is Then there's market traits like what is Then there's market traits like what is the market like? Are they serving B TOC, the market like? Are they serving B TOC, the market like? Are they serving B TOC, B to B2 aspirational, B2B? How much B to B2 aspirational, B2B? How much B to B2 aspirational, B2B? How much competition is there? How is the market competition is there? How is the market competition is there? How is the market willing to pay? And then we have willing to pay? And then we have willing to pay? And then we have progress and that's broken down into progress and that's broken down into progress and that's broken down into three things like how much progress do three things like how much progress do three things like how much progress do they have in terms of traction which is they have in terms of traction which is they have in terms of traction which is like MR like MR like MR people engaging with the product how people engaging with the product how people engaging with the product how many pre- purchases they have product many pre- purchases they have product many pre- purchases they have product progress like does it delight? Is NPS progress like does it delight? Is NPS progress like does it delight? Is NPS score high? What percentage user score high? What percentage user score high? What percentage user activated? And then there's marketing activated? And then there's marketing activated? And then there's marketing progress. So there's a bunch of things progress. So there's a bunch of things progress. So there's a bunch of things on here that don't you know fit in a on here that don't you know fit in a on here that don't you know fit in a bite-sized bullet uh or or kind of a bite-sized bullet uh or or kind of a bite-sized bullet uh or or kind of a bite-sized answer. But I will say that bite-sized answer. But I will say that bite-sized answer. But I will say that I've boiled it down mentally into three I've boiled it down mentally into three I've boiled it down mentally into three things and it's people, pricing, and things and it's people, pricing, and things and it's people, pricing, and product market fit. That's it. And the product market fit. That's it. And the product market fit. That's it. And the people are is exactly what you covered people are is exactly what you covered people are is exactly what you covered already. It's the founders that are already. It's the founders that are already. It's the founders that are involved and evaluating them on a bunch involved and evaluating them on a bunch involved and evaluating them on a bunch of different different things based on of different different things based on of different different things based on successful founders that that we know.

successful founders that that we know. successful founders that that we know. And then the pricing is around price And then the pricing is around price And then the pricing is around price sensitivity. And if you're selling a $9 sensitivity. And if you're selling a $9 sensitivity. And if you're selling a $9 a month product and you can't raise that a month product and you can't raise that a month product and you can't raise that price because you're selling to price because you're selling to price because you're selling to consumers, it's probably not a fit for consumers, it's probably not a fit for consumers, it's probably not a fit for us. We are B2B SAS focused. And the us. We are B2B SAS focused. And the us. We are B2B SAS focused. And the question I do ask some folks who have an question I do ask some folks who have an question I do ask some folks who have an average revenue per user of of $15 a average revenue per user of of $15 a average revenue per user of of $15 a month because there were some folks month because there were some folks month because there were some folks actually we funded someone in first actually we funded someone in first actually we funded someone in first batch who who had a really low arpoo and batch who who had a really low arpoo and batch who who had a really low arpoo and the question wasn't it wasn't a the question wasn't it wasn't a the question wasn't it wasn't a dismissal but it was like okay so your dismissal but it was like okay so your dismissal but it was like okay so your average revenue per user at this point average revenue per user at this point average revenue per user at this point like you're going to plateau you're like you're going to plateau you're like you're going to plateau you're never going to make it to seven or eight never going to make it to seven or eight never going to make it to seven or eight figures. So how are you thinking about figures. So how are you thinking about figures. So how are you thinking about raising that? And his answer was raising that? And his answer was raising that? And his answer was critical right because he had already critical right because he had already critical right because he had already he's like here's what we're going to do. he's like here's what we're going to do. he's like here's what we're going to do. We're raising prices here. We're adding We're raising prices here. We're adding We're raising prices here. We're adding features. We're going to feature ggate. features. We're going to feature ggate. features. We're going to feature ggate. Then we're going to this. Then we have Then we're going to this. Then we have Then we're going to this. Then we have this other ad. and it's like, oh, you this other ad. and it's like, oh, you this other ad. and it's like, oh, you have a path here to make an 8 figureure have a path here to make an 8 figureure have a path here to make an 8 figureure business even though right now you're business even though right now you're business even though right now you're are but if the founder says oh I don't are but if the founder says oh I don't are but if the founder says oh I don't know is that a problem then it's like know is that a problem then it's like know is that a problem then it's like okay there's some education that we need okay there's some education that we need okay there's some education that we need to have here you know and maybe you're to have here you know and maybe you're to have here you know and maybe you're not ready for this batch but maybe we not ready for this batch but maybe we not ready for this batch but maybe we can help educate you for a future can help educate you for a future can help educate you for a future yeah and that's pretty consistent with yeah and that's pretty consistent with yeah and that's pretty consistent with our experience because like for us I you our experience because like for us I you our experience because like for us I you know Franco and I were very confident in know Franco and I were very confident in know Franco and I were very confident in terms of our uh founder experience and terms of our uh founder experience and terms of our uh founder experience and just our you know just us as like what just our you know just us as like what just our you know just us as like what we've done before and our domain we've done before and our domain we've done before and our domain expertise however we haven't hit two and expertise however we haven't hit two and expertise however we haven't hit two and three at pricing and product market fit, three at pricing and product market fit, three at pricing and product market fit, right? But number one kind of helped right? But number one kind of helped right? But number one kind of helped anchor us to figure out two and three.

anchor us to figure out two and three. anchor us to figure out two and three. So that's pretty consistent with our So that's pretty consistent with our So that's pretty consistent with our experience of what we, you know, applied experience of what we, you know, applied experience of what we, you know, applied to tiny seed three times. So I to tiny seed three times. So I to tiny seed three times. So I completely agree with your consistency completely agree with your consistency completely agree with your consistency in evaluating founders in those traits. in evaluating founders in those traits. in evaluating founders in those traits. And I would say that you've hit it's not And I would say that you've hit it's not And I would say that you've hit it's not that you have pricing nailed. It's that that you have pricing nailed. It's that that you have pricing nailed. It's that is their price how sensitive is the is their price how sensitive is the is their price how sensitive is the market, you know, and is your do we market, you know, and is your do we market, you know, and is your do we think that your pricing is good or that think that your pricing is good or that think that your pricing is good or that it can be raised? we can fix. Raising it can be raised? we can fix. Raising it can be raised? we can fix. Raising prices is something you know we talk a prices is something you know we talk a prices is something you know we talk a lot about in the first month and a lot lot about in the first month and a lot lot about in the first month and a lot of founders do that. So it's not to say of founders do that. So it's not to say of founders do that. So it's not to say your pricing has to be dialed in but is your pricing has to be dialed in but is your pricing has to be dialed in but is is your market able to you know to have is your market able to you know to have is your market able to you know to have a B2B type pricing structure and then a B2B type pricing structure and then a B2B type pricing structure and then product market fit really is just product market fit really is just product market fit really is just shorthand for have you built something shorthand for have you built something shorthand for have you built something people want or willing to pay for it you people want or willing to pay for it you people want or willing to pay for it you know and you don't need to already have know and you don't need to already have know and you don't need to already have a bunch of marketing channels but you a bunch of marketing channels but you a bunch of marketing channels but you have to have some proof that like people have to have some proof that like people have to have some proof that like people are willing to pay for this product you are willing to pay for this product you are willing to pay for this product you know. know. know. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. So that's it. Those are our three. Uh So that's it. Those are our three. Uh So that's it. Those are our three. Uh let me check for any other questions let me check for any other questions let me check for any other questions because I believe we are at time. No, because I believe we are at time. No, because I believe we are at time. No, looks like that's it for today. Sir, looks like that's it for today. Sir, looks like that's it for today. Sir, thanks so much for joining me. Again, thanks so much for joining me. Again, thanks so much for joining me. Again, for folks listening to the audio, your for folks listening to the audio, your for folks listening to the audio, your Twitter handle is to123 Twitter handle is to123 Twitter handle is to123 and it's the body parts to o e k ne.

and it's the body parts to o e k ne. and it's the body parts to o e k ne. It's a it's a good handle except for It's a it's a good handle except for It's a it's a good handle except for when I have to say it out loud. when I have to say it out loud. when I have to say it out loud. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I I made this in college so I never I I made this in college so I never I I made this in college so I never really updated it but it stuck with me. really updated it but it stuck with me. really updated it but it stuck with me. I just keep it as is. Yep. So I just keep it as is. Yep. So I just keep it as is. Yep. So cloudforcast.io cloudforcast.io cloudforcast.io if folks are using AWS and they're if folks are using AWS and they're if folks are using AWS and they're surprised by their monthly invoices. I surprised by their monthly invoices. I surprised by their monthly invoices. I gotta be honest, I really wish you gotta be honest, I really wish you gotta be honest, I really wish you existed back when we were doing Drip existed back when we were doing Drip existed back when we were doing Drip because I was surprised all the time. because I was surprised all the time. because I was surprised all the time. And I made I left a server on and lost And I made I left a server on and lost And I made I left a server on and lost like $1,700 like $1,700 like $1,700 one month, which was, you know, we were one month, which was, you know, we were one month, which was, you know, we were doing like 15 grand a month at the time. doing like 15 grand a month at the time. doing like 15 grand a month at the time. And that was like that was a lot. You And that was like that was a lot. You And that was like that was a lot. You know, that was what I I paid our support know, that was what I I paid our support know, that was what I I paid our support person in a month and I pissed away over person in a month and I pissed away over person in a month and I pissed away over a weekend with an accident. a weekend with an accident. a weekend with an accident. It hurts. It hurts when you see the It hurts. It hurts when you see the It hurts. It hurts when you see the invoice. You're like, "Oh." Oh, invoice. You're like, "Oh." Oh, invoice. You're like, "Oh." Oh, especially if it's like a extra large especially if it's like a extra large especially if it's like a extra large instance. Oh my gosh. Like that is the instance. Oh my gosh. Like that is the instance. Oh my gosh. Like that is the worst. We've seen that happen uh with worst. We've seen that happen uh with worst. We've seen that happen uh with some of our users where they launched some of our users where they launched some of our users where they launched the extra large instance, totally forgot the extra large instance, totally forgot the extra large instance, totally forgot about it, but we were able to catch about it, but we were able to catch about it, but we were able to catch that. So that. So that. So awesome. Thanks again for joining me, awesome. Thanks again for joining me, awesome. Thanks again for joining me, man. We'll see you next time. man. We'll see you next time. man. We'll see you next time. Have a good one. Thank you. Bye. Have a good one. Thank you. Bye. Have a good one. Thank you. Bye. And thank you for joining me for Micro And thank you for joining me for Micro And thank you for joining me for Micro Comp on Air. Thanks to producer Xander Comp on Air. Thanks to producer Xander Comp on Air. Thanks to producer Xander for producing the show today. I'd like for producing the show today. I'd like for producing the show today. I'd like to give a shout out and thanks to Hey to give a shout out and thanks to Hey to give a shout out and thanks to Hey and Stripe. They are headline partners and Stripe. They are headline partners and Stripe. They are headline partners for the year. Head to microcom uh for the year. Head to microcom uh for the year. Head to microcom uh youtube.com/microconf.

youtube.com/microconf. youtube.com/microconf. Smash that like and subscribe button. Smash that like and subscribe button. Smash that like and subscribe button. That's where this happens. And tickets That's where this happens. And tickets That's where this happens. And tickets are on sale for Microcom Locals and are on sale for Microcom Locals and are on sale for Microcom Locals and Microcom Europe. It's great to see you. Microcom Europe. It's great to see you. Microcom Europe. It's great to see you. See you next time.