I really wanted to like nreduce, but the whole experience just came off as buggy for me. They said we'd get info about the meet ups but it never came which resulted in me blowing off a few appointments on tuesday nights twice to be there ready for the details, only to twiddle my thumbs. Sent tweet to prompt even but no reply at all. Finally the system for choosing other startups to group with arrived and I'm thinking there we go now we're in business, except clicked the invite button did nothing at all.
A bit later my account went into some strange mode that I can only guess is being locked out. I figured they were moving back into physical space and left them to it, which is why I was surprised to read about the online focus in the article.
Maybe after it's had some time to iron out the bugs I'll give it another shot, but the lack of communication overall was pretty frustrating
There were certainly teething problems but every week it got better and tighter. The nReduce guys have been a participant in the program as well as guides. If you were willing to put up with some rough areas in week one you were rewarded as they improved and refined the system in later weeks.
It's by no means perfect. There are startups at all levels so sometimes you feel like other groups are slacking when really they are just in a different place (or are actually slacking).
There is no penalty for failure. (penalty is the wrong word but you wouldn't want to wash out of YC--pg has anyone?) groups would just fall off.
I tweeted the other day that the monthly demo day was too frequent and I think that is true. I think they should have 2-3 a year. In the end, inclusion into 'physical' incubators/funding/press will be the measure of nReduce's success and TOO much exposure may be a bad thing.
The ui is crude but improving. Angel list was a mailing list at first wasn't it? Hard to criticize nReduce for the ui when their model is still being flushed out.
Anyway, it's been helpful for loads of groups and I see a place for it in a: nReduce -> physical incubator / angel list sort of place. HN is the same thing--a community of like minded folks who tend to help each other. nReduce is just trying to organize the process a bit...
I know of one company that "did not complete" the YC program, but that was a while ago. One of the co-founders had a family situation that was a factor.
Hi- So sorry to hear that. When you are ready to give it another shot, please send me an email and I would be happy to talk you through the process on the phone and simultaneously fix any bugs that you encounter.
We very much appreciate you are willing to give us another chance!
A bit later my account went into some strange mode that I can only guess is being locked out. I figured they were moving back into physical space and left them to it, which is why I was surprised to read about the online focus in the article.
Maybe after it's had some time to iron out the bugs I'll give it another shot, but the lack of communication overall was pretty frustrating