I look for "guy in some field thinks app/site is desperately needed by that field." This implies domain knowledge and existing relationships for target customers.
That's actually pretty rare, in my experience. But, it's how I've seen several non-tech companies start, basically.
The non-technical co-founder should BE that guy. Not know that guy. I get THAT one a lot.
I actually WAS that guy, but I couldn't find my technical co-founder - so I just became a technical founder ... took me a few years, but I'm there now ;)
Same here... I had domain expertise but wasn't technical so I just sucked it up and learned. It's taken me a few years, but it's well worth it.
Looking back, I think that's the only way to go. That, or at least learn enough to have a decent conversation with technical people so when you ask them to do something, you know how big of a pain in the ass you are being.
Comments
I look for "guy in some field thinks app/site is desperately needed by that field." This implies domain knowledge and existing relationships for target customers.
That's actually pretty rare, in my experience. But, it's how I've seen several non-tech companies start, basically.
The non-technical co-founder should BE that guy. Not know that guy. I get THAT one a lot.
I actually WAS that guy, but I couldn't find my technical co-founder - so I just became a technical founder ... took me a few years, but I'm there now ;)
Same here... I had domain expertise but wasn't technical so I just sucked it up and learned. It's taken me a few years, but it's well worth it.
Looking back, I think that's the only way to go. That, or at least learn enough to have a decent conversation with technical people so when you ask them to do something, you know how big of a pain in the ass you are being.