From http://www.shotputventures.com/faq
"How much funding do you provide? We provide $6,000 per founder, min two, max three founders. So, $12,000 - $18,000 per team in exchange for 5% - 10% of equity on entrepreneur friendly terms."
From a pure capital to equity ration standpoint, that seems to be on par with other similar programs.
Why should people go with you instead of YC? How are you better than YC? Why have you decided to offer less money than YC?
Are there any past companies I could talk to?
It's hard to say how we're different without direct experience of going through the YC program. That said, all the partners of Shotput are successful entrepreneurs who have or are running Internet/tech businesses. There's a wide breadth of experience with the partners from the highly technical to the highly sales/marketing based.
That said - best way to get to know us (if you don't already) is to come to our office hours (one today and one on 3/24). Details on the site.
Just out of interest, how many companies did you start with? How many are earning revenue after 12 months?
I'd be in interested contacting them about their experiences.
Thanks
No offense taken - I rail against MBAs myself when they lack experience.
We funded 8 startups last year. They're all still around but I can't speak (well, I could but I won't) to revenue, etc. I'll leave that to them to discuss or not as appropriate.