How to Recruit a Technical Co-Founder for Your Startup

http://www.aaronstannard.com/post/2011/08/03/technical-cofounders.aspx

by tansey • 15 years ago

12 3 15 years ago

TheSkeptic• 15 years ago

"Offer me a decent salary" should be on the top of this list.

If you have a solid, established relationship with somebody technical, and he or she is interested in a startup endeavor, raising the possibility of going into business together is one thing. But if you have to "recruit" a technical co-founder because your social circle is void of competent technical people, the number of potential co-founders who will be eager to jump on board your boat without monetary compensation is probably fairly small.

Let's face it: the kind of person who would make for a good technical co-founder probably doesn't have any shortage of opportunities in today's market. So what's the appeal of a jumping in bed with a complete stranger if all that's on the table is equity and "salary upon funding"? There typically is none, which is why so many of the people trying to find a technical co-founder experience so much angst.

glimcat• 15 years ago

Also, for the technical guy, if you're going to be building a prototype by yourself for no present financial consideration - you can do that already on the weekend, and possibly are.

"I have an idea, build it for me" almost never works. The value proposition is too asymmetric. There has to be something more to it than that if you want to attract people.

woan• 15 years ago

There is no surplus of good opportunities for technical folks to co-found something they can believe in. There are plenty of other opportunities of course.

I think the article is solid in that you have to sell the potential technical co-founder that you have a great idea and will add value to the relationship. "decent salary" will get you a contractor for hire, not a co-founder.

You don't have a lot of choice than to network and try your pitch.

How to Recruit a Technical Co-Founder for Your Startup

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