I'm a non-hacker founder who actually came to the Dreamit program through Startl (www.startl.org). I just realized I have no way to compare Dreamit or Startl to YC or TechStars - no one can compare unless you've been to both, so I say it's innaccurate for anyone to comment that Dreamit focuses more on "building a business." Every company I saw at Dreamit was in a different place and had different needs, and all I can say for sure is that Dreamit was really good about not forcing anyone to fit some "mold."
If anyone out there is shopping for an incubator, my question is, "Why are you waiting for an incubator?" Go build something and if along the way the stage of your product matches up with an incubator, think about applying, but don't think you NEED an incubator to succeed. As much value as Pocket Tales got out of the experience (and we're really grateful for everything), this wasn't life or death for us. It was a boost.
Just keep that in mind if you're an aspiring entrepreneur.
If anyone out there is shopping for an incubator, my question is, "Why are you waiting for an incubator?" Go build something and if along the way the stage of your product matches up with an incubator, think about applying, but don't think you NEED an incubator to succeed. As much value as Pocket Tales got out of the experience (and we're really grateful for everything), this wasn't life or death for us. It was a boost.
Just keep that in mind if you're an aspiring entrepreneur.