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[zovirl]

Anyone heard of Yetizen? Or the San Francisco Video Game Development Workshop? Are they legit?

I've been chatting with a couple people going through some kind of video game startup incubator program that yetizen is running (http://yetizen.com/about.html). Was curious if anyone else on tigsource had heard of this or had opinions on it.

[Triplefox]

I know a few of the key people involved in this. They may or may not be helpful in the end(if you're aiming for an operation of a size that needs advice/funding/business-building, that's where they'd be of the most use) but you can trust them, and the workshops sometimes bring in interesting speakers.

[zovirl]

Thanks!  Yes I got the feel they were very much leaning towards the "you need venture capital" size studio.

[dani_zee]

My Company BitPollen was part of Yetizen's first class and the experience was invaluable. In the time that my company has been part of the accelerator we have gotten advice and connections that have changed our position in the industry. Before Yetizen we were a scrappy developer that could not get an investor meeting for the world. And now we meeting with Angels and Top VC who are genuinely interested.

Most game focused companies are exactly that, very games focused. So the other thing that Yetizen offers is learning (Beyond Development).

Lastly the most valuable part of the accelerator are Japheth and Sana. They make things happen for the companies in the accelerator. They are true connectors and deal makers.

One thing for all those interested, Yetizen only takes companies that are looking to build a company with an exit plan. Secondly they are an accelerator (not an incubator) so they only take companies with a product and some proof.

As for the workshops. They are really good they are a good combination of networking and learning.