Ask HN: The definitive guide to outsourcing a tech-startup.

#1

Post by oldmanstan » Sat, Oct 02, 2010, 11:23 PM UTC

I can do HTML/CSS and design, but I can't code. I bet a lot of people are in my situation, or even worse.

I don't have a technical founder, but I want to start a startup, via outsourcing. I spent all of last night searching for information, and there really isn't much other than "make sure you hire someone experienced."

So, please share any and all information or links or experience you have on doing so.

Commence.

Re: Ask HN: The definitive guide to outsourcing a tech-startup.

#2

Post by znt » Sat, Oct 02, 2010, 11:52 PM UTC

I have little experience when it comes to startups but from what I've read so far I think you'd be better off with a tech co-founder rather than a outsourced developer.

If your plan has trivial technical needs maybe you should try checking local universities etc. (There was an article about a guy who was selling bowling balls online and was paying 2 college guys to code the website for him, his business was in good shape)

Re: Ask HN: The definitive guide to outsourcing a tech-startup.

#3

Post by kls » Sun, Oct 03, 2010, 3:35 AM UTC

You are setting yourself up for failure. Without specific knowledge of the development process you will not know how to place the checks and balances on an outsourced project to ensure success. You need a technical co founder. Take the money that you would put into outsourcing and pledge it to marketing and other items. A co-founder will be more likely to take you up, if he sees that there is some cash to bootstrap the product after it has been built.