Sounds like a good team. What's the idea? Three things I've learned thru the YC experience:
1) Investors like big ideas. If you can't tell a convincing story about how you've got the potential to build a $500m business, almost all investors will pass.
2) Traction wins. Don't build a prototype. Build a product. Prove that users want what you build and show a healthy growth curve BEFORE you take investment. It opens a lot of doors.
3) Distribution wins, too. Have a GREAT story on how you're going to find users without spending a nickel. SEO and viral marketing win. Don't say "word of mouth", "PR", "blogosphere" unless you've proven that your startup has legs there.
Regarding, "outside SV"... It depends. Right outside? Or in the Yukon? Where are you?
If funding is the path you should follow, not living in a hub is making a REALLY hard game a LOT harder.
1) Investors like big ideas. If you can't tell a convincing story about how you've got the potential to build a $500m business, almost all investors will pass.
2) Traction wins. Don't build a prototype. Build a product. Prove that users want what you build and show a healthy growth curve BEFORE you take investment. It opens a lot of doors.
3) Distribution wins, too. Have a GREAT story on how you're going to find users without spending a nickel. SEO and viral marketing win. Don't say "word of mouth", "PR", "blogosphere" unless you've proven that your startup has legs there.
Regarding, "outside SV"... It depends. Right outside? Or in the Yukon? Where are you?
If funding is the path you should follow, not living in a hub is making a REALLY hard game a LOT harder.