Peter Theil, co-founder of Paypal, would probably disagree. In the book Founders at Work, you'll find that many co-founders of large, valuable companies claim that having another co-founder understand the business side was invaluable. (Note: I'm not trying to stick up for them because I'm a business guy; I'm a coder guy.)
Founders who can't code
21–30 of 117 posts
Re: Founders who can't code
#22I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
If I had a co-founder with that attitude I'd tell him to sod off.
The people at the top have to be willing to do whatever it takes, whether they're "passionate" about it or not.
Re: Founders who can't code
#23Earlier quoted context omitted.
Exactly! Idea guys are pretty good at getting mockups and stuff done, showing off the ideas. They can pitch it and make it impressive.
Y'know, us developers are also "ideas guys" in addition to being developers.
For sure, I guess some people are 'full-time-idea-guys' in the sense that they just develop and manage them full time.
Re: Founders who can't code
#24I think that's inline with Derek Sivers history (as told on TechZing) http://techzinglive.com/?p=443
Re: Founders who can't code
#25You will NOT become an engineer, programmer, or web developer, but you will be able to put a prototype of your idea together and maybe get one or two beta users for feedback...
You will also be able to have an intelligent conversation with a developer.
I get sad whenever I encounter a business person with no technical bullshit filter. Not because I'm judging them, but because if I can bullshit them, any other developer can. Which probably means there's a problem somewhere that will hurt all of us.
I'll make a point to have a cursory understanding of financial statements, market segmentation, and project management if you do the same for the basic building blocks of software applications. Then the two of us will be able to talk about almost anything. OK?
Re: Founders who can't code
#26"Can you convince your best friend to work on your 4th idea, when the previous 3 failed?"
Any business/idea guy worth his/her salt will have more than one great idea. This is why I am learning how to code; so I don't have to go through all the trouble to get a technical cofounder every time I come up with an idea I really like. This way I can build a prototype and be a lot more credible when I approach people to work with me.
Re: Founders who can't code
#27Peter Theil, co-founder of Paypal, would probably disagree. In the book Founders at Work, you'll find that many co-founders of large, valuable companies claim that having another co-founder understand the business side was invaluable. (Note: I'm not trying to stick up for them because I'm a business guy; I'm a coder guy.)
That's true, but it's not like learning to code a little makes all your business knowledge fall out of your head. And the point of learning to code isn't that you'll now be the CTO, it's because founding a successful tech company is hard, let alone founding one when you don't know the difference between Java and Javascript. You can still be the business guy, but now you understand at least a little of the core of your business. Not to mention that if you're just a business guy with an idea and no money, few good developers will be interested.
Re: Founders who can't code
#28I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
If I had a co-founder with that attitude I'd tell him to sod off. The people at the top have to be willing to do whatever it takes, whether they're "passionate" about it or not.
I like to live doing things that I thoroughly enjoy, and I find I don't do great work if I'm not working towards something that I am really passionate about, or something that I want to really crush!
Re: Founders who can't code
#29I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
As a technical guy who is taking care of the biz side of things in my startup, I must disagree with you lachy. I know how aggravating it is when someone shows complete disinterest in the technicalities. They lack an awareness of the challenges and think this stuff is magic. It's not. There are limitations and trade-offs. I'm learning a lot of mechanical engineering stuff from my co-founders that's critical to underst…
I think I conveyed my point pretty hopelessly. Don't get my wrong, I love the technical side, I think it's fascinating, I just wouldn't want that to be my full time job. I can read and understand code, I just can't write it. I love to learn bits here and there, especially front-end.
I appreciate your reply, and I agree with you.
Re: Founders who can't code
#30I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
> And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. That's because it's not all fun and games. It's hard work, and the most important part of an internet startup.
But you code because that's what you're good at, and that's what you enjoy. I do marketing/biz-dev for the same reason. Why don't you do marketing and biz-dev?
I do front-end development, and I can read backend code, I just can't write it!