Ask HN: def startups_for_oldies?; true; end

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1970160

by gareth_at_work • 16 years ago

7 3 16 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Surely there is a model for succesful startups that does not depend on a smart, energetic teenager with no responsibilities working non-stop for 6 months?

def startups_for_oldies?; true; # please enter the formula here end

laxk• 16 years ago

The age doesn't matter.

sdrinf• 16 years ago

Part1: take a cold hard look around. What do people want? Most of these "smart, energetic teenager with no responsibilities" are hyped up on The Next Big Thing, which has historically a very poor hobby-to-business conversion rate.

Don't do that.

With the life expectancy growing, there are literally thousands of opportunities for people over the age of 30, 50: unlike teenagers, these guys actually have money, are catching up to new technologies, AND are massively undeserved.

So pull your head out of the media, and start looking at things right around you.

Part2, market: if you're over 30, you are massively more well-positioned to have a good chance of stumbling upon problems, that actually makes money: proper life-experience is a massive competitive advantage you have over these kiddies. So are all your connections, the people who know, and trust you, AND have probems and money they can give you to solve theirs.

Use your frequent miles to validate ideals, and start charging pre-product. Use the resources gathered this way to push yourself through execution.

Part3, resources: if your business idea involves computer / new technology, and implementation is a week point of yours, do not be afraid to trust that part to other, more competent people -the "smart energetic teenager with no responsibilities". If the fundamentals of the opportunity are strong enough that you can put together enough resources, you can, and should use these guys to your advantage: contact eg. local dorms, universities, or even high-schools for cheap, and highly qualified talent.

This is by no scratch of imagination a complete formula, but should be enough to get you over the paralysis, and start actually doing things.

Best of luck -a youngster

bennyk• 16 years ago

Excellent reply.I am one of those people who after making and losing can say this one will be much more sustainable.So I use young for some things, tech stuff, quick thinking. A little older for more mature and responsible work.And older still for their particular experience.Just do it!

Ask HN: def startups_for_oldies?; true; end

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