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Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

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Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#21

Post by [deleted] »

ericabiz wrote: post #14
BerislavLopac wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually, you're wrong. Many languages (and other technologies) are versatile and can do different things, so they're not as important here. What is needed are people who know how to design and build the product/prototype, and leave them to decide which technology to use.

I am not talking from a "Hacker News" perspective here, where we can debate the details of functional programming or talk about which language makes the most sense. I am speaking of conversations (that I've actually had, on a regular basis) that go like this: Me: So do you plan on building that as a web app, or a mobile app? Non-technical founder: Um. I don't know. Both? Me: Okay, do you understand that you will prob…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#23

Post by BerislavLopac »

ericabiz wrote: post #14
BerislavLopac wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually, you're wrong. Many languages (and other technologies) are versatile and can do different things, so they're not as important here. What is needed are people who know how to design and build the product/prototype, and leave them to decide which technology to use.

I am not talking from a "Hacker News" perspective here, where we can debate the details of functional programming or talk about which language makes the most sense. I am speaking of conversations (that I've actually had, on a regular basis) that go like this: Me: So do you plan on building that as a web app, or a mobile app? Non-technical founder: Um. I don't know. Both? Me: Okay, do you understand that you will prob…

It's not a "Hacker News perspective", it's the basic principle of anything. If you have a car and want to take a ride, you need a driver or you'll crash. If we're talking about a non-technical founder starting a tech startup, the first advice to the is only one: find a technical co-founder and don't even think about starting it without them. What you're describing should be the job for that technical co-founder, and not for our non-tech guy (or gal) to do. Unless they are also willing to learn enough to become technical enough to play that role too; that takes a lot of time and effort to do right, but it's a viable route too.

So, next time you have a conversation like the one above, don't waste your time on trying to teach tech stuff to non-tech people -- simply, just tell them "find a tech co-founder".

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#24

Post by davemel37 »

ericabiz wrote: post #14
BerislavLopac wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually, you're wrong. Many languages (and other technologies) are versatile and can do different things, so they're not as important here. What is needed are people who know how to design and build the product/prototype, and leave them to decide which technology to use.

I am not talking from a "Hacker News" perspective here, where we can debate the details of functional programming or talk about which language makes the most sense. I am speaking of conversations (that I've actually had, on a regular basis) that go like this: Me: So do you plan on building that as a web app, or a mobile app? Non-technical founder: Um. I don't know. Both? Me: Okay, do you understand that you will prob…

The conversation you are describing is not a non-technical founder...its a non-anything dreamer.

I dont think lack of technical knowledge is this guys problem. His problem is that he has an idea and thinks other people are going to do everything for him.

A founder would not be looking for a developer at this stage. They would be looking for a customer at this stage and map out their needs and flesh out the idea.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#25

Post by colinmegill »

FWIW years ago I googled "technical co-founder", realized I was the butt end joke of the industry, and have been working my ass off at front-end since. Now contract as a dev / TPM as well. Have made myself useful.

Learning to program meant I was another voice in conversations about what could be done, which instructed what was done.

My advice is learn to implement your ideas alongside of everything else you are doing.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#26

Post by pc86 »

ericabiz wrote: post #8

A couple people here have said "Sales", but in my opinion (technical founder who usually takes non-technical roles), the most important is hiring . I often talk to non-technical people who want to start a tech company, and I ask them really baseline questions about the tech people they want to hire: "What language do you want someone to be able to code in?" Usually, I get glazed-over eyes followed by a defensive resp…

Is it really necessary for a non-technical founder to understand the differences between node.js and C#/.NET?

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#27

Post by davemel37 »

They should understand the customer and never stop learning about the customer.

The best way to do this is to talk to lots of prospects and customers.

Knowing why you are building is more important than knowing how or what...thoae two stem from knowing why.

Im non technical but knowing the customer is the foundation for everything you are doing.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#29

Post by fillskills »

falcolas wrote: post #16

Willingness to learn and pick up skills. Not the technical ones - your co-founder has that in order. I'm talking about: Sales Marketing Fundraising How to talk to a lawyer Figuring out what business licenses you need and how to maintain them Accounting Interpreting from Geek to English Hiring to fill the gaps in your knowledge (and firing those who don't) Contract negotiation Identifying niches for business opportuni…

I would add a couple tech management skills like: 1. Understanding the 'soft' nature of software 2. Iterative development

And one non-tech: . Lean methodology

You got most else covered.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most crucial knowledge a non-technical founder should have?

#30

Post by dorkrawk »

pc86 wrote: post #26
ericabiz wrote: post #8

A couple people here have said "Sales", but in my opinion (technical founder who usually takes non-technical roles), the most important is hiring . I often talk to non-technical people who want to start a tech company, and I ask them really baseline questions about the tech people they want to hire: "What language do you want someone to be able to code in?" Usually, I get glazed-over eyes followed by a defensive resp…

Is it really necessary for a non-technical founder to understand the differences between node.js and C#/.NET?

"I know bridges can be built out of metal or wood! I'll just hire a carpenter and let them figure it out..."
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