GetGlue founder Alex Iskold is joining Techstars NYC as its Managing Director where he will oversee day-to-day operations of the accelerator. In September, Iskold stepped down from GetGlue as CEO (where he remains a board member) GetGlue was sold last week to i.TV as part of a broader plan to double-down on the second screen.
I had a chance to speak to Iskold about his new role at Techstars and his vision for the next-generation of NYC tech startups. For Iskold, who writes about his career move on his blog, part of what makes his new role exciting is the chance to work with other startups and entrepreneurs.
Techstars raised $24 million for startups in 2011. Iskold comes to the incubator with unique insight because he's founded two NYC-based startups and knows the ecosystem and the people in the community well.
He first started working with Techstars NYC 2013 class as one of the programs mentors. While there, he acted as an advisor to weeSpring and Jukely and discovered an affinity for mentoring startups and offering entrepreneurs feedback and advice. "I found that I really love connecting people to one another," Iskold said of the experience. "At GetGlue, I was always so busy with the operations of running the company, it was great to have a chance to 'give-back' to NYC tech."
In his new role, Iskold says that he wants to be "laser-focused" on finding the best startups and people to be part of the Techstars program. "I really want to find the best companies out there and help them reach their potential." That focus on quality also extends to the mentorship and the resources Techstars offers its startups.
In addition to finding quality startups, Iskold also wants to focus on building out the broader Techstars NYC community. "I've spent studying networks and network effects," he tells me. Because he's studied (and build) networks, he understands the importance of building out strong relationships that can organically blossom. With Techstars NYC, Iskold wants to help build out that network in what is becoming one of the hottest hubs for engineering talent in the world. Moreover, Iskold wants to take advantage of New York's other areas of strength — from fashion, to media to finance — to connect with technology.
"I can't wait to get started," Iskold tells me, audibly thrilled at his new role. Techstars NYC applications for 2014 are currently open.
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