Aussie start-up seeks third co-founder for Startupbootcamp Amsterdam

Australian start-up 7write.com is scrambling to find a third co-founder after being selected as a finalist for Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, which has a preference for teams with three founders.

7write, founded in 2012, describes itself as the world leader in writing software. It helps writers research, develop, write and self-publish eBooks for the likes of Kindle and Apple’s iBookstore.

Directed by AngelCube graduate Paul Hayes, 7write has been named one of 50 finalists for Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, a three-month program open to tech start-ups worldwide.

Each team receives €15,000 ($A19,000) in seed funding. At the end of the program, start-ups have the opportunity to pitch for further funding from angel investors and venture capitalists.

This year’s program will take place from April 2 to June 28, followed by a fadeout period from July to September.

Chosen from more than 550 applications, Hayes believes 7write has “a very good chance” of being selected for the program, which has just 10 places available.

“However, we’ve been told we need a third co-founder,” he wrote on Silicon Beach Australia.

“Someone strong in business development/CEO role would be ideal, but it would [be] great to hear from anyone that thinks they can add something special to our team.”

On its website, Startupbootcamp Amsterdam says it prefers teams with three or more founders.

“You can apply with two founders but to really accelerate your start-up we prefer a strong team of three people,” it says.

“We look for teams with the following skills – tech development, marketing and sales, design, business expertise with drive, vision and leadership.

“We also believe marketing and research talents need to be in the team as they start their customer discovery and development.”

It’s unknown whether any other Australian start-ups have been selected as finalists for the program.

However, Startupbootcamp Amsterdam says the quality and quantity of applications has “broken all previous records”.

“Now that applications for this program have closed, we are in the middle of the process of selecting the top 20 teams,” it says.

“They will be invited to Amsterdam to take part in the finals at the end of February 2013. Our work with a skilled team of mentors and evaluators continues now in earnest.”