Because once they've been one once, they don't want to be one again.
Well crap, I'm in my second go-around as startup CTO (and I definitely want to do more), so I guess I'm doing something wrong because I've loved every minute of each startup.
I think the big thing that makes all the work and stress worth it for me is that these are projects I would volunteer for with or without pay. Last time it was a fitness network that helped people develop a sustainable healthy lifestyle. This time it is shaving 10-20% off the installed price of distributed solar. Got way past the MVP stage last time (over a million users), and close to getting there this time (more business LOIs coming in every day).
I love being a technical cofounder. My skills are technical, so I can contribute the most in that role. But the startup has to be something I would volunteer for. So I guess you're right, startups don't find me. I find them.
Volunteering for a volunteer project is noble. Volunteering so that someone else can take your fair share of profit is not so much. If you are taking a hit in salary for society at large then I would compliment you on your generosity. If you are taking a hit so that someone else in your company can take more money I would suggest you reevaluate your decision
Heh, oh don't worry. I get a very large equity stake and take my fair share of the profit. The great thing about doing these sorts of projects over straight volunteering is that the positive impact on society comes with a business model and large financial incentives.
Comments
Well crap, I'm in my second go-around as startup CTO (and I definitely want to do more), so I guess I'm doing something wrong because I've loved every minute of each startup.
I think the big thing that makes all the work and stress worth it for me is that these are projects I would volunteer for with or without pay. Last time it was a fitness network that helped people develop a sustainable healthy lifestyle. This time it is shaving 10-20% off the installed price of distributed solar. Got way past the MVP stage last time (over a million users), and close to getting there this time (more business LOIs coming in every day).
I love being a technical cofounder. My skills are technical, so I can contribute the most in that role. But the startup has to be something I would volunteer for. So I guess you're right, startups don't find me. I find them.
Volunteering for a volunteer project is noble. Volunteering so that someone else can take your fair share of profit is not so much. If you are taking a hit in salary for society at large then I would compliment you on your generosity. If you are taking a hit so that someone else in your company can take more money I would suggest you reevaluate your decision
Heh, oh don't worry. I get a very large equity stake and take my fair share of the profit. The great thing about doing these sorts of projects over straight volunteering is that the positive impact on society comes with a business model and large financial incentives.