Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#1

Post by colellm » Thu, Feb 21, 2008, 11:28 PM UTC

I am seeking a technology co-founder for a web startup in the wedding or niche travel space. Ideally this person would be located in or near New York City.

I will be upfront. I am not a programmer but I do have what I consider to be strong ideas and have done extensive research on my ideas/web startups. I know what you are thinking. Business person who overestimates their value to company. No. I will divide equity equally with the right person and am not only looking for someone to develop the site but for a true business partner. Additionally, I would like to, if possible, apply to ycombinator for the summer.

If you are interested in discussing my ideas further, feel free to email me (address below). Also, I am interested in hearing about people's experiences working on teams where one person was a technologist and the other person was not or advice regarding my search for a technology co-founder.

Thanks.

melissa_colella@hotmail.com

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#2

Post by edw519 » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 12:07 AM UTC

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally"

Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent?

"I do have what I consider to be strong ideas"

Don't we all?

I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage).

2 non-programmers = bad

1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better

2 hackers = best

I really don't mean to pick and I certainly don't want to rain on your parade. Just a quick reality check from a seasoned hacker.

I hope your idea is fantastic and you find the perfect match. Good luck!

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#3

Post by chaostheory » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 12:40 AM UTC

edw519 wrote: post #2

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally" Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent? "I do have what I consider to be strong ideas" Don't we all? I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage). 2 non-programmers = bad 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better 2 hackers = best I really don't mean to pick and I certain…

I agree. ideas are cheap (and they tend to change too). unless the idea requires a lot of biz dev (sales), I also fail to see the logic of a 50 50 split - unless money is involved

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#4

Post by sarosh » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 12:46 AM UTC

edw519 wrote: post #2

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally" Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent? "I do have what I consider to be strong ideas" Don't we all? I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage). 2 non-programmers = bad 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better 2 hackers = best I really don't mean to pick and I certain…

I respectfully disagree with edw519. While your assessment that you are indeed not a "programmer" may be technically accurate, but, if this is you:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/2/B06/B99

then I think you sufficiently qualify under a very broad definition of a hacker, or, alternatively, you are quite technical yourself. While you may currently feel you need a co-founder for your project who is a "programmer", you should not sell yourself short.

One thing you should strongly consider is just plunging in and trying to code for yourself. Take a look at this article regarding the founder of Plentyoffish.com. Mssr. Frind built the site while learning to program. See, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/business/13digi.html?_r=2&...

So one approach would be to learn to program while you put the site together. While this may be rough in the beginning and ultimately result in total failure, you will at least (a) know more about what goes into making a web app (generally) and (b) when you seek a technical co-founder you can be much more precise and clear about what you need.

As for languages, Ruby on Rails or Python would both be great. But, just for fun, take a look at Arc http://arclanguage.org/

Hope that helps.

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#5

Post by colellm » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 12:50 AM UTC

edw519 wrote: post #2

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally" Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent? "I do have what I consider to be strong ideas" Don't we all? I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage). 2 non-programmers = bad 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better 2 hackers = best I really don't mean to pick and I certain…

I knew I would probably get attacked on this post in some way. I am not naive and I do realize my limitations. Additionally, in a business you are looking ideally for individuals who complement yourself in skills (i.e. one business person, one technology person).

What is wrong with 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker sharing equity equally? I realize product development is paramount. I do not expect to be twiddling my thumbs while my partner hacks away. As a user of the internet and sites like the one I would like to build, I have many ideas concrete ideas about features/functionality I would like on the site and would hope to function as a team in developing the product.

Beyond that, down the road much of the focus would be on user acquisition strategies (for a user generated content site such as the one I would like to do). I cannot imagine I would not be able to contribute equally to the overall process of building a sustainable company.

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#6

Post by colellm » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 12:57 AM UTC

sarosh wrote: post #4

edw519 wrote: post #2

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally" Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent? "I do have what I consider to be strong ideas" Don't we all? I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage). 2 non-programmers = bad 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better 2 hackers = best I really don't mean to pick and I certain…

I respectfully disagree with edw519. While your assessment that you are indeed not a "programmer" may be technically accurate, but, if this is you: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/2/B06/B99 then I think you sufficiently qualify under a very broad definition of a hacker, or, alternatively, you are quite technical yourself. While you may currently feel you need a co-founder for your project who is a "programmer", you shoul…

Thanks for the advice. Right now, I would like to continue in my hunt for a co-founder but do plan on trying to pick up some knowledge of programming even if I do find someone to work with.

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#7

Post by ekanes » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 1:01 AM UTC

chaostheory wrote: post #3

edw519 wrote: post #2

"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally" Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent? "I do have what I consider to be strong ideas" Don't we all? I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage). 2 non-programmers = bad 1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better 2 hackers = best I really don't mean to pick and I certain…

I agree. ideas are cheap (and they tend to change too). unless the idea requires a lot of biz dev (sales), I also fail to see the logic of a 50 50 split - unless money is involved

What split do you think is fair here? Assuming both are working hard on the idea?

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#8

Post by alaskamiller » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 1:11 AM UTC

http://www.projectwedding.com/

a YC related company

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#9

Post by alaskamiller » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 1:14 AM UTC

ekanes wrote: post #7

chaostheory wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree. ideas are cheap (and they tend to change too). unless the idea requires a lot of biz dev (sales), I also fail to see the logic of a 50 50 split - unless money is involved

What split do you think is fair here? Assuming both are working hard on the idea?

50/50

Re: Seeking Technology Co-Founder (NYC)

#10

Post by dkokelley » Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 1:17 AM UTC

Although not having a programmer on your team as a founder will hurt your chances if you're applying to YC, if your idea is sound and you are flexible you could always hire someone (even contract someone or outsource it) to build your idea, just make sure that person is pretty invested in making a good product, not just "doing a job". In addition to regular pay, you should still offer a good amount of equity (non-controlling) in the company that he's building for.

Put another way: A good way to find a programmer who could turn into a business partner is to start on your own and hire contractors. Eventually you'll find one who really gets along well with you and has a similar vision as you do. At this point (and after you've experienced "working" with him) you could bring him on as a partner and viola, you've got a programming co-founder.