Technical co-founder needed for London based start-up

Before we start, I am not a programmer and if you don't like that, then fair enough, I know there will be people that will dismiss me immediately - but I am here looking for a technical co-founder for a London based start-up, and if you are interested, then read on. I know finding the right person is slim to none, but I am going to give it a try.

I am a non-technical founder of a early stage London based start-up. I am ideally looking for a technical co-founder so I am bringing this to Hacker News. I know everything there is to know about both technical and non-technical co-founders, and I am aware technical co-founders don't often take start-ups seriously if they don't have one already. So let me give you some background to explain I am not just someone with a flimsy idea who thinks it will do well, who's diving unknowingly into the world of start ups because it's the 'trend'.

Who I've consulted:

Six-months ago I pitched the idea to a small IT firm who decided to take on the development side as co-founders because they really liked the idea. Eventually the company, although eager to work with me, thought they could not afford to take two guys off of their small team to work unpaid for a few months. This firm has worked for large UK based companies such as BBC, TopShop etc.

I've also consulted with various people in the start-up industry about my idea. These people include those who have helped other start-ups, to people who can help with grants, and potential Angel Investors. I've got great feedback although most think it's a shame I don't have a technical co-founder (yes, I know that). The idea is based equally on sales as well as development so it's important to get both bits right.

You can't just find a co-founder like you would an employee:

Yes, I know that. I contemplated posting this message on Hacker News for ages because I know working on a start-up requires heart, dedication, struggles etc and if someone isn't as dedicated as you problems can arise. I understand the advantages of producing an idea with someone who you know well, who has a similar work ethic, view and understanding - but I just haven't had the opportunity to find someone, it's not an easy task. It's a shot in the dark but I am giving it a try.

Where I am with the idea:

Currently I am paying a developer and designer to create a prototype website based on my guidelines. I know it isn't ideal to have to get someone external involved but I have to (as you know). With this prototype I hope to sell the product to companies - or confirm that they would be interested in the product if fully developed - and then go down the funding route. It's hard to look for funding without anything to show - especially with what I am doing.

If you are interested or want more information please email cofounderinlondon@gmail.com.

Couple of suggestions (take them or leave them):

1. say what your idea is. Or at least the sector / problem you are addressing.

2. say what technology set you are using. You say you are currently getting a 'prototype website' built, so you have a stack - what is it.

3. as you aren't a technical founder, are you a domain expert (i.e. if the product is, say, financial services related, then presumably you have would have a track record in this sector). If so, then big up yourself.

4. Be positive. This whole post is (to me at least) far too negative. From "shotinthedark" and "slim to none", to your story about the web agency dropping you. Full marks for being honest, but presentation counts for a lot and again if you aren't the technical guy, you need to be the 'hustle' guy and that means everying (every email, chat, etc) needs to be +ve!

As for finding a technical co-founder it is definitely possible (I've done it a couple of times). Think of it as pre-qualifier for having a shot at further challenges (funding, getting customers, etc). If you can't convince one person to work on your idea, then something is seriously wrong. Especially if you have some funds (given that you are paying a developer and designer, you must have at least enough for covering someone's basic living costs).

If I were you I'd delete this post, and rewrite it as a compelling story about why someone should come work with you. You must think you are on to the opportunity of a lifetime - so "tell them about the dream" (to quote Mahalia Jackson).

Hello,

Thank you for this - I wholly take on board what you have said, and I pretty much agree with everything. I guess I should explain - I have seen a lot of non tech people on here post about ideas, and then get completely shot down at the first hurdle for fundamentally not being a tech person - a Catch 22 if you will.

As for my background - 29yo female Biochemist, published twice. Have done analyst work (taught myself visual basic), and have also done B2C marketing.

I love my idea, I am so passionate about it - I just didn't want to get immediately slated by loads of developers thinking I know nothing, an insurance policy for my idea that I have invested a lot of my time and energy in.

In terms of not convincing one person to take on my idea, I have convinced everyone I have pitched to so far - but none of them are tech developers. People have certainly commented on my passion for the idea, and I am far more positive than I clearly sounds here. Just goes back to not wanting to be shot down before people have even read the whole post.

Let me wish you all the best in fiding the right tech co-founder. i fyou were based in Edinburgh i would love to have a coffee and hear about the idea :) (btw, i am female too, and i am a tech)

Glad it was useful.

If you can teach yourself visual basic then I'd suggest that you teach yourself some programming. You are unlikely to acquire enough to do the heavy lifting on this venture, but every hour you spend learning how to manipulate your chosen technology stack will pay dividends.

After a while will be able to speak the language of potential co-founders, and you will even be able to look at their code and comment intelligently.

If you have any sort of eye for design, then learning (or improving your skills in) html, css and copy n' paste jquery will allow you to do the marketing site, email newsletters and the like whilst your technical co-founder builds the product.

Anyway, if you are out their pitching and getting feedback, then you are going to find someone sooner or later. There is a heap of advice on the web (like going to tech meetups and events) that you should be following if you are not already doing so.

And if you want to know how I do it? I've always just written a stand out job advert that is designed to speak to the 1% of people who might be interested and post it on the startup orientated job boards and Uni temporary work websites. It has worked 100% of the time for me. If you do have connections (i.e. the ex-agency) who are technical you can get them to help you interview if you are worried about not sounding credible - just introduce them as advisers or something.

Finally, on the subject of hiring contractors do build prototypes, my personal view (from experience) is proceed with massive caution in doing this. You might be better to conserve your cash to help tempt a proper co-founder, who if they are half decent will get something built 3-4x faster than hired help. You (almost certainly) aren't going to get funded with a contractor-built prototype that will be, in effect, a black box to you and your potential investors, so all you are really doing is dulling the pain that you should be focusing 100% on.