So I've developed a product and someone wants to be my business cofounder. • Hacker News Board

Re: So I've developed a product and someone wants to be my business cofounder.

#11

Post by arthurdent » Wed, Jan 19, 2011, 2:50 AM UTC

magee wrote: post #2

Wow, dude... I'd need to write you a textbook to answer your questions... if you have specific questions you can ping me at magee70@yahoo.com... FYI I'm on my 3rd startup... sold the first two..

This sort of response is exactly the type i expect from "all talk" types.

When I read your reply, I see, I'm awesome. I know so much about what you want to know that I can't even figure out to start. Oh btw, how cool am I?

Re: So I've developed a product and someone wants to be my business cofounder.

#12

Post by lachyg » Wed, Jan 19, 2011, 4:58 AM UTC

bdclimber14 wrote: post #4

Have him or her prove his worth over the next month as a trial. No compensation or promises, equity or otherwise. Business co-founders are generally great at talk, but less so at action. It's stereotyping I know, but its a generalization based in fact. They aren't as in demand as the technical side, and are generally more willing to work for free. Of course, saying "I'd like you to work for free without any compensat…

Switch the thing round. I've got a business idea, all written out and documented. Someone wants to be my technical co-founder. Are you suggesting the same thing?

Re: So I've developed a product and someone wants to be my business cofounder.

#13

Post by bdclimber14 » Mon, Jan 31, 2011, 2:30 AM UTC

lachyg wrote: post #12

bdclimber14 wrote: post #4

Have him or her prove his worth over the next month as a trial. No compensation or promises, equity or otherwise. Business co-founders are generally great at talk, but less so at action. It's stereotyping I know, but its a generalization based in fact. They aren't as in demand as the technical side, and are generally more willing to work for free. Of course, saying "I'd like you to work for free without any compensat…

Switch the thing round. I've got a business idea, all written out and documented. Someone wants to be my technical co-founder. Are you suggesting the same thing?

Late reply, but I ironically was thinking the other night if this should work conversely. For most points, I think yes. One notable difference is that developers will create something tangible, and usable, within a month or two. It could be enough to raise money off of. In this case, I'd say there should be equity structure in place at the beginning. Business co-founders would provide value in a month, but its probably through intangible relationship assets. The value by a business co-founder is also something that is ever-expanding. If he or she made 100 sales in a month, you'd never say "Well, that's all we need, have a nice life" but with applications, some people may see them as "done" and therefore you don't need the developer any more. Anyone who understands that software is never done in a startup would disagree, but its less obvious, especially to business founders, that this is true.