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How a former DraftBit co-founder now evaluates momentum over traction and backs solo founders through America's top accelerator
Tim went from building DraftBit (a no-code mobile app platform that still generates $100K monthly) to becoming Managing Director of Techstars Columbus, where he's invested in 34 companies that have collectively raised $21 million post-program. His unique approach focuses on "team, team, team" while partnering with Ohio State University's $110 million software innovation initiative to back founders solving problems in healthcare, energy, and AI-driven legacy industries.
Follow Tim: LinkedIn | Techstars Columbus
Tim's investment philosophy centers on one core principle borrowed from legendary Michigan football coach: "the team, the team, the team." Unlike investors who obsess over traction metrics, Tim prioritizes founders who demonstrate unique market insight, deep mission alignment, and proven resilience.
His evaluation goes beyond traditional startup metrics. He looks for people who can lead a company for the next decade and turn it into a venture-scale success. The technical solution matters, but the human element determines whether that $220K investment becomes a unicorn or fails within 18 months.
"We're going to over index significantly on that no matter what. Second thing is sort of the market opportunity, like essentially can this be a big business. We need to believe that each company that we invest in has the potential to become, you know, a billion dollar evaluation company."
Contrary to Silicon Valley wisdom, Tim actively invests in solo founders - three out of his current 10-company cohort are solo founders. But they must demonstrate exceptional ability to create momentum with limited resources, especially if they're non-technical.
His portfolio proves solo founders can succeed: some found strong technical partners, others learned to manage outsourced development teams effectively, and technical solo founders scaled their own products. The key is showing you can do more with less, then projecting how you'll accelerate with proper resources.
"I definitely invested in solo founders. I think we have three in this cohort out of ten. I do think that it requires that person to be exceptional in some way. The more technical the company, the harder it is with a solo founder."
Tim's program exists because of Ratmir Timashev, who bootstrapped Veeam to a $5 billion exit without raising venture capital. This proves venture funding isn't the only path to massive outcomes, but it requires a different approach to resource allocation and growth.
Most Techstars companies will raise additional capital post-program, but Tim supports whatever path founders choose. The $220K provides 3-9 months of runway to prove market fit and build momentum for either profitable growth or Series A fundraising.
"It's certainly possible to scale to a $5 billion outcome without taking venture capital. So there's a headline to take there."
The Challenge: Founders obsess over traditional traction metrics without understanding what investors actually evaluate.
Tim's Solution: Focus on momentum relative to available resources and time invested:
How to Apply: Document your progress relative to your starting point. If you're non-technical and part-time, highlight customer interviews completed, early sales commitments secured, or product specifications refined. Show you can create momentum before asking for resources.
Tim shared five battle-tested frameworks from his experience backing 34 companies and raising $21M in post-program funding. Get immediate access to the remaining frameworks:
✅ The Uncapped SAFE with MFN Strategy
✅ The 13-Week Accelerator Structure Blueprint
✅ The Corporate Partnership Advantage System
✅ The Solo Founder Success Evaluation Method
Plus bonus content:
Join 500+ female founders getting exclusive fundraising insights, investor resources, and peer support as they build venture-scale companies.
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