How to Find a Technical Cofounder - Michael Seibel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ค. 2024
- Michael Seibel on how to find a technical cofounder.
Michael is CEO and a Partner at YC. He was the co-founder and CEO of Justin.tv and Socialcam.
/ mwseibel
Learn more about YC and apply for funding here: www.ycombinator.com/apply/
Looking for a co-founder? Try YC's new co-founder matching platform: www.ycombinator.com/cofounder... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Looking for a co-founder? Try YC's new co-founder matching platform: www.ycombinator.com/cofounder-matching
Step 1. Have a friend
Which we don't 💀
🤷🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
i dont have friends
🙄wow failing at step one already looks like a looooong way to go
Fact 1: Good hackers are loners.
I chose to learn how to code and I didn't realize how much I needed this skill in my life. It's so zen! (Still looking for a tech co-founder, just not waiting to get started.) Thank for another great one, Michael.
How did you go about it? Learning tech?
@@reflection5057 search about online courses if you want to build a website or app. many resources provide that
As always, Michael provides incredibly specific guidance! Great work! If Y C is half of this then they are the best place for entrepreneurs!
Hands down!!!! Awesome video. Precise and consice.
Thank very much Michael. I love the learning how to code advice. 🙌🙌🙌 YC
Where is the monologue about the situation when one doesn't have friends?
Arshak Martirosyan those are engineers already.
I agree. It's very hard to find co-founders imho. I believe working with your friends isn't the best route to go. They might be your friends, sure. But where did they become your friends? If you made friends in a Y Combinator cohort that might work. But mostly you became friends in school probably or through partying or a sports club. Sure they can have great skills but do they have integrity, authenticity and high standards? Even though real coders know what integrity really means i.e. one mistake and your code fails. So having low standards may not be the thing you will find amongst engineers or coders a whole lot. And how many of your friends do have high integrity and are super authentic and have super high standards and aspirations that they are willing to die for/sacrifice everything? None. A co-founder who believes in what you believe is what you need. And you should start by asking POWERFUL questions if you know someone is a coder/tech guy. Like "What will you do with the profits you make from the company if it's a great success?" If the answer is focused on themselves, I'd skip and not even ask question #2. ... and say: NEXT.
But working at a job in order to come across potential co-founders: a waste of time. Technology moves so fast that after two years, your startup has already been created by some other people. The reason why I'm saying this is that if your startup idea is really solving a true problem, it will be experienced by thousands if not millions of other people. So that part of the answer I do not agree with. Don't believe everything you hear but observe and question it and see if you can come up with a better answer that actually works, not to flatter your own ego. We are all smart in our own way. No one has all the answers and most answers will only come to you when you're ready.
So where to find them remains the big question for me. If you have suggestions, please let me know. In the meantime I'll build a platform myself to facilitate just that. I'll let you know when that's ready.
A friendship founded on business is a good deal better than a business founded on friendship. -Rockefeller
Very nice format, very calm
Very realistic advice! The truth sometimes sounds crude. Thanks
I like it so much. Great advice
This is a pretty awesome video. I'll watch this video a couple of times, with the core intent being : listen/observe and apply.
1 min on and it is already worth it! Great simple advice! THANK YOU Michael! 🙏
Any resources for people who don’t know any coders? Any coder forums?
Thanks Michael!
On point, Michael.
One thing I would add if you have worked with contractors sometime you worked with great software contractor that are interested in what you doing. Worth also looking at.
I have a big network with friends from Bulgaria, being in software development for about 10 years. I am also open for business opportunities as a cofounder. The perfect cofounder for me is some business development or sales guy.
I am your guy Vladimir, I know how to sell but my area of focus is football and I am based in the Houston Texas area. I have been looking for a web developer and coder for my football recruiting website with a difference. How can we get in touch and see the possibility of working together?
Hi Vladimir - Do you know anything about Bitcoin core or the Bitcoin Network?
Excellent information!
Thanks for the great advice, Michael!
Is there a specific reason why you didn't mention the Internet?
Thanks for this video! I’m wondering do you make potential cofounders sign NDAs? It seems like the cons outweigh the pros in terms of practicality. Thx
Useful much, thank you!
Thank you sir
Awesome stuff!!!
A piece of advice that wasn't given but can be inferred from combining two other options would be to go back to college. Similar to working at a startup, it can put you in contact with people who know how to code, you can choose to learn some yourself, and your in an environment with a lot of people who will be looking for projects, jobs, a future, etc.
I wish I had watched this video 6 months ago! So many wishy-washy conversations just to see how my friends/coworkers felt about potentially working with me. I should have made offers. Damn.
thanks ! nice point.
A problem with working to find a technical cofounder is a lot of NDA's have non compete clauses that say that coworkers can't do a startup together. Correct me if I'm wrong.
What about the no code movement ???
Thanks
My startup will fix this! And many other things.
What's your startup?
What’s it about?
I like what Michael says but in reality you can face so many issues along the way. For instance, some people have an idealistic view of how startup works and when they actually started working with you, they start to miss their previous stable jobs. Some people seem to be so nice to work with but when you actually start working with them, they perform more like an employee rather than a leader as expected. I would say LUCK is also an important factor in finding a good co-founder.
No problem them listening to you if you’re a good commander in chief
@@marvinwilliams7938 I would say co-founder is different from employee. The expectation for co-founder is that they could independently lead in an area where other co-founders may not be good at. In this sense, having their own thoughts and independent ideas are very important.
I'm a recent grad in a startup unpaid atm but the guy is a friend of friend and gun React/Rails Developer and he's offering to pay us once he gets traction. It's really hard to find good people to work for!
How did this work out?
I wonder the same thing
Yes but what if I have no income for project yet?
I have the same problem. I'm applying for grant and potentially other funding, and the people I'm about to recruit are okay with knowing that we would get paid if we get the grant or funding in the future. In the meantime, they'll help build the product (at least minimally enough to get the funding in the first place and to test ideas). Ultimately, we're also mission driven, and the purpose of the product they are helping to build is to help people with language barriers get potentially, live-saving healthcare -- so that is hugely motivating (I think).
This is good
How can we get to work with Y combinator?
We have a new patented technology in the Virtual Desktop space that's allowing us to be priced close to half of our competition in the market while providing more features!
Probably start by contacting them professionally, not through youtube comments
How is it now?
What's the difference between Co-Founder and Co-Worker? What can I (Non-Tech founder) expect from a Tech Co-Founder? What can I expect from a Tech Co-Worker?
is it necessary to have a tech co-founder or is it ok to have a tech team for my edutech startup as a non tech person
Hey I'm also starting an edutech platform. How can I contact you?
What to do when the CEO in a start-up is not involved as much as the Co-founder? Both having equal equity 50%-50%.
BECOME the technical cofounder boooiiiiss
👌
I’m a SHRM-CP looking for tech co-founder, but 40% seems a bit high.
Could you get one?
I have an engineer building my app remotely… Do I still need a co-founder..?
What if I, the founder, the technical person AND the business person?
Then you do everything yourself and keep all the equity?
You still want someone to talk to, who will have different ideas than you, keep you from getting depressed, etc.
Then you're post PayPal Elon Musk 2.0
A word of advice: stop lowballing top notch engineers. You better be ready to offer a minimum 30% pre-seed equity and co-founder status (not "employee #1") if you want to land a good CTO/Chief Architect. 80% of us are taking home between 250K and 600K USD all in (salary + bonus + RSUs) from big companies while working on reasonably interesting projects and having lots of responsibility and decision making power. Make it worthwhile for us to leave, or don't bother contacting us. Thanks. Also, don't use a recruiter. Contact us directly on LinkedIn or via our website.
I don't agree with this because there are many times when these tech co-founders left the company. Imagine offering 30%, only for the tech co-founder to reduce his workload significantly or leave the company with the shares. The best would be to offer them in cash for a certain period and after that, shares if the non-tech co-founder is confident in his abilities and commitment.
@@jamespym7882 That's what vesting schedules are for. Make a 2 year cliff, for all I care. Just make it worthwhile to stay.
Thank you for articulating on this issue. I believe this is what many top engineers feel like.
Vishal get real dude!
They may not be "lowballing" you. Just because you and your employer think that you're worth $600K USD doesn't mean that everyone does.
Great advice.
But how to find a good non-technical cofounder (for technical cofounder)?
That's the tricky question for most technical guys i know.
I want to believe that non technical co-founders should not be difficult to get. What you need to do1. Define the skills you need2. Go to right places, just about everywhere3. Convince them about what you are doingSimplest solution I always give in situations like this, give something for something. Start 2 businesses
PM me if you would like us to discuss further
@@ExhibitorsLive thanks, but your answer sounds way too generic.
Still hope to hear some specific advices and cases from YC guys.
@@Artistofun As a non-technical co-founder I can tell you that they're just as hard to find as technical co-founders because the same base expectations apply to both individuals, (reliability, time management, communication, enough time, specific skill, able to understand short term and long term goals, etc). The primary difference is the specific function.
Engineer: Develops - Either they know how to or not (some research required for all projects of course.)
Business: Sales, Marketing, Legal Implications, Tax Implications, Vision/Mission Execution, Team Management, Finances, Networking, Etc.
Analysis:
1. Engineer of some sort is required to build a tech product 99% of the time.
2. Engineer needs the skills to communicate and sale their idea to others and handle all of the 'technical business stuff'.
3. MOST technical founders are good at engineering but lack the sales side or motivation side which I believe comes with the logical mentality behind programming.
4. Technical Required to build but business is not required which is why it's weighted higher. Way of thinking is what's the point of a car salesman without any cars?
5. They each have their own purpose and without both skills a company will suffer and die. Those skills can come from 1 person or an entire team but they are needed.
My viewpoint on it is
Tech Co-Founder >= Co-Founder.
@@CrouchJumpLLC in general i agree with your view.
But on the other hand one may say - many manufacturers can build cars, but not every salesman is a good one.
This has been my biggest challenge...I don't have pals who can code..
1. Make a list really enjoy to talk.
2. Do as primary job
3. Make it formal offer.
if dont have
1. Co-workers
2. Go get another job to find co-workers
Best future co-founders, at School
40% we have developers credits with aws to build.
I'm right here 😎
Hi I started up a sports organization I need a co-founder in developing.
Why would you give 40% equity and also pay salary for the co founder?
I'm a technical person and I'm focusing more on business development , because I know the metrics to choose the right person but the problem is how I can prepare the script for meeting what should I say and should not , in brief question : How I can attract a technical co founder ?
Making offer of salaty amd equity
Can a founder be a CTO without being a CEO
Yes
I am looking for a technical co-founder for my startup, I have been a part of 3 software startups at leadership position
The idea has huge potential, reply back if you interested to know the idea.
I’m a CS major in UIUC and I need a business founder
I’m in Illinois as well looking for a technical co founder
Hey I would love to have a conversation with you. Let me know if you are open for a friendly chat just so we can get to know each other and expand our networks
If you have to ask you’ll never know, if you know you need only ask. (c) Rowena Ravenclaw
Conclusion: Have friends or learn how to code!
What's the other side of the story? I'm a tech person but need other people to help me manage a business. I'm not good at renting office spaces or hiring non-tech talent.
What type of tech?
@@andreasv9472 Software as a Service (SaaS)
@@nethacker91 Ok, this is a far shot, but let's connect just to see if there some mutual overlap of need.
As someone who is an engineer: the bigger question is what would a non-technical founder even bring to the table that I can't do or learn to do myself??
The job of a CTO and a CEO is fundamentally very different and if you think you can do both then props to you but its extremely difficult. One thing I would say to you eventhough development of the product is critical to the business its definitely not the only thing there is the job of a CEO, CFO, COO are all different and one person cannot do everything and each and every member of the team is vital for the team's success. When all of the roles of people coordinate with each other perfectly that is when a successful business can be built. With that said eventhough a great CTO is vital and scarce the role of a CEO isn't easy either eventhough everyone seems to believe they would make a great CEO a truly great and effective CEO like Steve jobs or something is truly a rare find
Sales, marketing, design, BI/analytics, network…? I can (and have) do all of that for myself for over a couple years now, but bringing new players to your table is a great way to delegate (so, less work for you, which is great if you’re having 50+ hours of work per week for the last months), help others grow (which also builds confidence on AND with that person and what they add to your project), and basically allow you to go further (rather than “faster”).
Your comment is exactly why I’m learning coding and not seeking a tech cofounder. I will hire help after building an mvp. My question to the engineer is why are you working a job for someone and not coming up with viable ideas. Usually business minded people come up with the ideas that make money. In home building, the contractors are very important, but not too many contractors design homes.
@@E-Nigma_ did you end up learning to code? if so how did it go?
@@yayyy-vb4 I have gotten decent at the basics (web pages and such). I’m diving into building databases and then from there will get into calling on that information. It’s been a slowish process because I work full time, buts it’s been worth it. It’s truly like learning another language and then painting with it lol.
How to Find a Technical Cofounder?
go to Serbia.
You mean there are many coders and web developers in Serbia or just kidding?
Really, were exactly?:))))))) I need one....in Serbia.
Low cost option: invest in yourself and your skills and learn how to engineer software.
Michael , Not sure you are reading this or not but let's say : You are in Italy for two months to study master in Medical biotechnology . You can't speak Italian. No friends who knows code ... working at any company is not possible . You are so hungry to execute your idea ... What would you do ... ? I'm start to code( Morning : Python , after lunch : Css-Html and javascript ) but honestly it's not good option ......
Personally I think you should consider dropping out of school and setting up office in a better environment if you really can't wait until you finish your studies. How sure are you this is a realistic opportunity? It might be worth graduating first if you're already paying for the degree
@@jefmasereel4956 Thank Jeff for replying. Honestly I paid a lot already to even entre to this course .I heard Berlin , German has a ambience like Valley but even doing that cost me at least couple grands .. Conundrum
Almost completely useless advice unless you are growing up in Silicon Valley.
Not completely. If you work in tech already this still applies.
Taker talk.
I want to build a small rocket to fly into space. I need a team of engineers.
Wkrk at technology start up amd make metwork amd connecy amd ,ake them work with you
Work ag technology company
40% and a salary? Are you freaking kidding me! If your getting 40% of a billion a dollar company and salary that nuts! I can see 5% and a salary or 10% or no salary! I think this is horrible advise. Yes your experienced but your not considering how long that person was doing the business before the co-founder came around.
How you know that's gonna be billion dollar though?
Just lesrn to code
U comfirtbale with
Hmm, I guess most of us here would rather find a non-technical cofounder 🙋♂️
during an automation boom?
Close friemd
Pepole u get along witg rank make real offer
But I have don't tech friend
why you need technical co founders?
who's going to build the project? unless the project isn't tech related
"how do I find someone to do all the actual work" - the pitch: "I'll give you a minority stake in the company and maybe a salary eventually - trust me it will be a brilliant idea and will make you billions of dollars"
How many of your friends know how to code.....UMMM NONE
Teach yourself how to code.
1 year of coding learning is enough to start. Don't waste time, begging engineers to become co-founders.. Learn a framework like Django. It's is enough to start most projects. If there's traction, get funding and hire more technical staff.
in order to iterate quickly and efficiently you need an actual technical founder
Make friedm with ppl who learm with colege friemd
Mans acting like i have five friends that code...
That's not good advice for recruiting someone with years of coding experience and experience with managing projects and people, which is what a co-founder must do.
Get a job? Really? Come on, this is not good advice
I have no friends
For real?
Don't lie..
Are u saying that you don't have *real* friends? (Just fake ones)
@@Twst3628 I don’t have either, it’s a real thing
#1 tip should be DON'T go looking for a technical co-founder. If you're really serious about your idea then go learn how to code yourself!
This is not as easy as it sounds. How do you become a coder and at the same time sell your product or service? You always need someone.
Everyone has to have their own occupation. (Каждый должен заниматься своим делом.)
I can`t believe that this guy really read this script and believed it. So you are saying to a founder or businessman to go to school, go find a job or ask your friends to be your co-founder! Unbelievable... So instead of working on my own project you offer me to go find a job, or study for years than if there are still that opportunity in your area, you can start your journey. Either you didn`t read the script or some kind of power makes you tell this.
On point, Michael.