We do have more advisors than team. Cohort was founded by me, and I brought three of the best people I know on. I don't know if you've ever been a single founder, but it's really tough to start something, just by yourself.
I've had co-founders in the past, and it's very different doing it yourself. Before the team was properly formed, I asked some friends for help. Some of it was product related, some of it was business and fundraising related. And some was just moral support.
I don't think there's a hard and fast rule to the ratio of advisors to team. Every startup is different, every product is different and every team is different.
As to our value prop and brand strategy, I admit, there's a lot that's not obvious from what's essentially a holding page. -- we're still pre launch, and in private beta, which I mentioned in opening paragraphs of the post.
Regarding .is, as I said above, there's a specific reason that was chosen, more to do with the product than with marketing.
If you'd like to see for yourself what we're up to, I'd be happy to give you a demo. Drop me a mail on [email protected] and I can set something up.
Is this collection of information on non-users even legal?
It is not okay here in Sweden (PUL) and as I understand it the same laws apply in the whole of EU.
Is this a US service only?
What do they say?
What do they do?
What do other people say about them?
That will usually weed out most of the procrastinators, wannabes, "difficult" people etc...
A bit of interpersonal chemistry going, some complimentary skills (you're looking for compatibility, after all), and some level of emotional investment on the problem being solved, wouldn't hurt either.
Congratulations on getting Manara up and running!