You're the face in my brain when I write things like "I hope nobody sees me saying everyone who works at 1871 is playing house". I know you aren't.
Frankly: I am skeptical of all but the first tier of startup accelerators, and I am especially skeptical of startup accelerators based in Chicago, a locale not conducive to funding. One argument the post made that I'm confident is correct is that the accelerator model, when it ever makes sense, does so only when the company is on a trajectory towards raising funds.
I also find the idea that Excelerate charges more than YC to be jarring. It shouldn't be controversial to say that YC is the more impactful of the two programs.
I won't get in to fundraising in Chicago in a public forum, but you aren't hearing me argue. That said, fundraising typically only requires a warm intro. Techstars alums can get to pretty much anyone in the country. Our fundraising was not held back by access, it simply required purchasing plane tickets. I should shut up though, our Series A lead ended up being a new firm in Chicago, and they are great.
Again, if you aren't planning on fundraising, don't go through an accelerator. They are seed stage investment vehicles. Once you take investor money the clock starts ticking on an exit. Perhaps that should be in bold print somewhere, but we all read HN, this should be fundamentally understood by everyone.
I would counter argue that Excelerate/TS isn't expensive, given the stage that they come in they are severely diluted by the time you raise an A, and they have a business to run. I think you could make an argument that YC is by comparison cheap, not a bad thing considering their track record.
Frankly: I am skeptical of all but the first tier of startup accelerators, and I am especially skeptical of startup accelerators based in Chicago, a locale not conducive to funding. One argument the post made that I'm confident is correct is that the accelerator model, when it ever makes sense, does so only when the company is on a trajectory towards raising funds.
I also find the idea that Excelerate charges more than YC to be jarring. It shouldn't be controversial to say that YC is the more impactful of the two programs.