Offer equity to a technical co-founder instead of paying an overseas firm to build your product. It preserves cash flow and lets you build and iterate at minimal cost. This post covers where one member looked for technical co-founders and what happened when he listed himself.
One of the biggest barriers to launching a tech startup is the founder’s own lack of technical expertise. Usually, a non-technical founder first looks to outsource web development overseas. While theoretically this seems like a good option, in practice it can fail badly. It can cost thousands of dollars and precious time. In the worst cases, failed outsourcing kills the project and discourages the entrepreneur from pursuing future startup opportunities.
Instead of outsourcing, founders with a business background should start by finding a technical co-founder that will work for the same thing they are: equity. This strategy preserves cash flow while allowing you to build and iterate on your app at a minimal cost. As a result, you minimize risk while doubling the size of your company (to 2!).
Online communities make finding your Steve Wozniak easier than it used to be. Members have shared resources in our private Founders Forum along with strategies for bringing a co-founder on board. Here’s what member Jason Demant posted about his own experience:
- Shared co-founder lists — Public lists of people interested in joining a start-up. You can contact people on them or list yourself. In his experience, listing himself on two such lists brought 3 and 2 people reaching out.
- Find CoFounders LinkedIn Group — This group is surprisingly active. He posted his tech co-founder need to the group and had about 4 people contact him.
Founders Network is a peer mentorship community for tech startup founders. If that fits where you are, request an invitation.
Frequently asked questions
Should a non-technical founder outsource development?
The post says outsourcing web development overseas often fails, usually costing thousands of dollars and precious time. In the worst cases it kills the project and discourages the founder from trying again.
How do you pay a technical co-founder?
With equity, the same thing you are working for. The post says this preserves cash flow while you build and iterate at minimal cost.
Where can I find a technical co-founder online?
Member Jason Demant tried shared co-founder lists and a Find CoFounders LinkedIn group. After listing himself or posting, he reported 3, 2 and about 4 contacts. That is one member's experience, not a benchmark. Co-founder matching platforms such as CoFounders Lab and Y Combinator's co-founder matching are other places to look.
