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I am currently working on a side project that requires contracts with content producers - think HBO. My goal is to have a technical prototype and apply for YC i

by param 13y ago

I am currently working on a side project that requires contracts with content producers - think HBO. My goal is to have a technical prototype and apply for YC in W15. The main thing I need from YC is connections to be able to get those contracts. I cannot get users until I have contracts. How do I show growth in my application?

SandersAK 13y ago
Sounds cool! But the reality is that with or without YC, you're going to need to learn how to close some of those contracts on your own. Of course having connections is super helpful, but you're much more likely to get those introductions if you can show that you get things done without them. So my advice would be to work on closing smaller contracts / deals and show that you are capable of running those processes first (and you also show growth!). Then it's a lot easier to recommend you and pass you along to people in a network.
ig1 13y ago
It may make sense for you to look at the Disney/techstars accelerator as it might be more closely aligned to the kind of connections you'll need.
7Figures2Commas 13y ago
This is the whole point of domain expertise that so many people ignore. Domain expertise is not just about knowledge; it's about the relationships you develop by actually spending time in an industry. Thousands of people work at HBO. Tens of thousands of people work at Time Warner, which owns HBO. And tens of thousands more work in the broadcast media ecosystem. If you're really passionate about doing something in this industry, why not work in it for a few years? Not only are you bound to meet the people who can help you, or who know the people who can help you, if you're strategic, you can put yourself in the position to come to the table with a modicum of industry cred, something that run-of-the-mill introduction-seekers almost always lack.
yaur 13y ago
I've had some experience doing IPTV stuff both with incumbent MVPDs and as part of an OTT play. I'll warn you, in case you don't know, that these kinds of deals take a LONG time (think 2-4 years) and if you are looking for content rights expect significant upfront cash payments if you can even get them. HBO for instance is/was part of a conglomerate that also owned a cable company and like everyone else in the space is very sensitive about anything that will increase risk (even marginally) for their multi-billion dollar cable deals. I'm not trying to discourage you, just pointing out that there are huge obstacles in the space that have nothing to do with technology.

by param 13y ago

SandersAK 13y ago

Sounds cool! But the reality is that with or without YC, you're going to need to learn how to close some of those contracts on your own. Of course having connections is super helpful, but you're much more likely to get those introductions if you can show that you get things done without them. So my advice would be to work on closing smaller contracts / deals and show that you are capable of running those processes first (and you also show growth!). Then it's a lot easier to recommend you and pass you along to people in a network.

ig1 13y ago

It may make sense for you to look at the Disney/techstars accelerator as it might be more closely aligned to the kind of connections you'll need.

7Figures2Commas 13y ago

This is the whole point of domain expertise that so many people ignore. Domain expertise is not just about knowledge; it's about the relationships you develop by actually spending time in an industry. Thousands of people work at HBO. Tens of thousands of people work at Time Warner, which owns HBO. And tens of thousands more work in the broadcast media ecosystem. If you're really passionate about doing something in this industry, why not work in it for a few years? Not only are you bound to meet the people who can help you, or who know the people who can help you, if you're strategic, you can put yourself in the position to come to the table with a modicum of industry cred, something that run-of-the-mill introduction-seekers almost always lack.

yaur 13y ago

I've had some experience doing IPTV stuff both with incumbent MVPDs and as part of an OTT play. I'll warn you, in case you don't know, that these kinds of deals take a LONG time (think 2-4 years) and if you are looking for content rights expect significant upfront cash payments if you can even get them. HBO for instance is/was part of a conglomerate that also owned a cable company and like everyone else in the space is very sensitive about anything that will increase risk (even marginally) for their multi-billion dollar cable deals. I'm not trying to discourage you, just pointing out that there are huge obstacles in the space that have nothing to do with technology.