I've built WunderGraph ( https://wundergraph.com ) as a side project until it was ready for real "startup mode". I've asked my employer to give me an IP exclusion for the project in writing. Then I dedicated 1-2 hours in the morning and maybe at night as well on the weekend, depending on my energy level. I've developed the product until it had a certain maturity. I've then onboarded two co-founders who also helped pa…
Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
121–130 of 153 posts
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#122Earlier quoted context omitted.
It absolutely works in B2B. Why would it not? Nothing prevents you from talking to potential customers about an idea you have with a slide deck.
And when are you supposed to do it? During office hours when you should be working on your regular job, or after 6pm when no business will be open for your sales call?
Yes. Take a half day or duck out for a few hours.
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#123Earlier quoted context omitted.
A long time ago (in the 90s, and in the UK) an engineer who worked with my Dad wrote a book that was something like "Hit Singles of the 1970s". The company, which made communications satellites, took him to court and claimed the IP and all the profits from it, and won . Dont assume things are unenforceable just because they sound stupid.
Oh wow. That sounds crazy that such slave-like contracts are enforceable. Do you know what their reasoning in court was? I can't imagine the connection between these two topics (satellites and 70s music). Was it just a predatory "all you do belongs to us" type of contract? Could he have counter-sued them for... I'm not sure what, breach of human rights? Also, are there laws against abusing the legal system like this?…
That's Angloamerican common law for you. A derelict of feudal law with its hodgepodge of precedents, statues and laws that descend from medieval traditions, feudal lords' decrees and opinions. Its geared for asserting the rights of the lord.
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#124Don't overthink it. You can validate the idea using SEO tools, check if the competitors have traffic and do some detective work to see if they are viable companies. Check the SEO space, and see how many people are running ads on the main search terms, how hard is it to rank for the the main keywords. Check if forums exists, and discount coupons for similar products in marketplaces, check for similar products on produ…
This.
Some people are either too naive or too trustworthy of their boss. You should never disclose your side gigs yo anyone remotely connected to your work unless they are also part of your side gig.
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#125Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#126Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not in contract law in my jurisdiction. It may be for others though.
That's very strange to me. Then why is anything else in an employment contract binding?
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#127I've built WunderGraph ( https://wundergraph.com ) as a side project until it was ready for real "startup mode". I've asked my employer to give me an IP exclusion for the project in writing. Then I dedicated 1-2 hours in the morning and maybe at night as well on the weekend, depending on my energy level. I've developed the product until it had a certain maturity. I've then onboarded two co-founders who also helped pa…
looks like a great project! Found a typo: "Less then 1 minute"
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#128Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#129Before writing any code, you'll likely need to do 50-200 customer development interviews to find and hone in on a new unique opportunity. So, why not start here?
Re: Ask HN: How to validate a startup idea whilst employed?
#130Don't tell your employer. Don't incorporate until after you've quit your job. If you want to launch before quitting your job, consider using a merchant of record (e.g. Paddle) so you don't even need to incorporate. I'm assuming you're not competing with your employer, nor are you building your startup on your employer's time or with your employer's resources, in which case there's nothing wrong with this approach eth…
Nearly everyone I know doing side projects from YT channels to ebooks to WP plugins to mobile apps to games has started without being incorporated. None of them use Paddle or ever encountered problem that required them to. Paypal has supported personal accounts since the 90s. Stripe supports personal accounts. Google/Apple/Amazon/MS/Steam/Gumroad and others will all work individuals as well as businesses.