It’s that time of year again!

I’m thrilled to announce that we have opened applications for our 5th Techstars program here in Seattle! 2013 was a great success for the entrepreneurs and the entire Seattle community. We’re really excited about making 2014 even better.

I’ve been receiving a lot of questions about what an applicant can do to strengthen their application or get my attention, so I decided to write a post with a few tips on how to make your application/company stand out in the crowd.

1. Amazing team and product video. If you are strapped for time I would highly recommend spending it on the video. The video is your first impression to me and other application reviewers so you want it to be good. Really try to show your team and products personality so we can get a sense of who you are and what you are building.

2. Referrals. Start networking with alumni and mentors. We take referrals seriously. Try to talk to as many people in the Techstars network as you can and have them write an email to me or Linsey Battan, Techstars Seattle Program Manager (linsey.battan@techstars.com). NOTE: This does not mean become a spammer! Do not start cold emailing the entire mentor list, if we find that you are doing that it will hurt your application.

3. Meet me at open coffee. During the next few months I’ll be attending open coffee at Louisa’s on Eastlake. I would recommend trying to meet with me there. You can also reach out to directly to Linsey Battan (Program Manager) or Egita Polanska (Associate) at Techstars Seattle – as their schedules aren’t as packed as mine.

4. Apply early. Applying early increases your chance of getting in. (period)

We’re looking for smart, cohesive teams that can iterate quickly and execute. If you are one of these people then join forces with Techstars Seattle and see what three months of top-notch mentorship could mean to your startup.

Apply now! Early application deadline is April 13th and final deadline is May 4th.

-Andy