Ask HN: Should I accept a CTO position without much experience?

Post by HeyLaughingBoy » Thu, Jan 07, 2016, 6:59 PM UTC

FireBeyond wrote: post #38

partisan wrote: post #23

I apologize if the following comes off as harsh, but it comes from experience, not malice. Where can I find people like you who will work for free on the promise of future money dependent on a roll of the die which is funding? Please tell me. I'll take one CTO, 2 senior devs, and 4 junior devs. Here's the deal. I don't know your situation, but you are basically saying that your time is worth $0. That might be true or…

"Additionally, if the company gets funded, the very first thing that will happen is you will be fired or otherwise relieved of your position and they will hire an experienced CTO who will be paid a lot of money. This is the smart money move for them and a pat on the back for a job well done is all you will be likely to get." If that was the situation (and I agree, potentially likely) - but yet still an option for him…

Post by JSeymourATL » Thu, Jan 07, 2016, 9:48 PM UTC

giaour wrote: post #42

JSeymourATL wrote: post #15

> But this looks like a way too big jump for me. What if I fail? What if the startup fails because of me? Yes accept! Use that fear of failure to tap into your drive, creativity, and bring your A game. Business/Tech Management/Leadership are ALL learned and practiced things. Money should NOT be an issue-- go to back to your boss. Share with him your bare bones monthly budget. Tell him you need $X just to eat beans &…

This is absolutely terrible advice. The OP could be making six figures at a real job, not "beans and rice" money at a position that will be taken from him as soon as the company is funded.

Post by brudgers » Fri, Jan 08, 2016, 1:13 AM UTC

Perados wrote: post #22

danielvf wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So you are not getting paid, but they are? Are you getting some substantial equity?

They would get paid as soon as I start getting paid. Another reason to do our best to get funded fast. Yeah, good equity, nothing confirmed yet though.

Post by Perados » Fri, Jan 08, 2016, 2:40 AM UTC

brudgers wrote: post #45

Perados wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They would get paid as soon as I start getting paid. Another reason to do our best to get funded fast. Yeah, good equity, nothing confirmed yet though.

Do you aspire to the be the boss of of unpaid employees?

Post by giaour » Fri, Jan 08, 2016, 4:15 AM UTC

JSeymourATL wrote: post #43

giaour wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is absolutely terrible advice. The OP could be making six figures at a real job, not "beans and rice" money at a position that will be taken from him as soon as the company is funded.

Focusing on "real job" compensation is myopic thinking. The promise of any startup is the potential reward on the Back-End (not to mention incomparable experience). Any bootstapper understands the beans & rice context, especially in the pre-revenue/pre-funding stage. It's never a permanent condition.