How to recruit a hacker partner

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1131936

by garfangle • 16 years ago

4 4 16 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I'd like to apply to one of the various startup programs like YCombinator/SeedStart/TechStars, but I don't have a partner. I'm more of the business type, so if I could partner with a hacker type that would be great. What would be the best way to go about recruiting and evaluating a partner if your not close friends with someone like that?

noonespecial• 16 years ago

Well, first off, (no matter what your possibly very good intentions) saying that you're a business type looking for a hacker type to do a startup is kind of a red flag.

It sounds to hackers like "I've got a great idea, all I need is for some one to do all of the work for me, preferably for free, kthxbai."

The best way to attract a hacker type is to build something insanely cool (or at least make a good start of it) and project a trajectory of much more where that came from. Without that, I don't think any idea is cool enough all by itself. I admit, its kind of a chicken and egg deal but there it is for what its worth.

icey• 16 years ago

I agree with all of this.

You could also explain what you bring to the table. Past history is useful.

Think about how you would evaluate a software person - you wouldn't just bring a hacker onboard because he went on news.managersspecial.com and posted that he was looking for a business person, would you? You would want to know a lot more about what they were up to, what they've done; and most importantly, what they can bring to the table. Just having good ideas isn't really a qualifier any more - it's what you've done with them that's important.

SlyShy• 16 years ago

Go become close friends with "someone like that". Turns out hackers are people too. A solid partner isn't someone you recruit and evaluate. A joint venture isn't going to succeed if one person in it forms an entitlement complex wherein "it was my idea, and I brought you on, so you should be grateful", or "that is your job, so don't complain to me, also I need you to change all the underlying structure in a week."

alfredp• 16 years ago

Let's go the other way... Let's suppose I am a hacker and I am looking for a business type or partner for YC, what kind of guy am i looking for?

Assuming that there is already trust and respect - I would want someone who can bring this to the table:

1. someone who understands a particular market & its needs 100%

2. someone to bounce design/sales/marketing discussions off

3. someone who has social and professional connections that I don't have

4. someone who can cook (because I don't have this skill)

Out of all these 1 & 2 is most important - as hackers don't usually have a good sense for UI and users.

If you find a hacker you want - sell yourself with these points.

How to recruit a hacker partner

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