How to Find a Technical Cofounder - Michael Seibel | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The video provides strategies for finding a technical co-founder, including tapping into your friend network, approaching co-workers, joining a technology startup, learning how to code, and leveraging opportunities in college.

Key Insights

• 🤔 Finding a technical co-founder can be challenging; start by considering your friends who know how to code and make them real offers to join your company.
• 💼 Don't assume that your friends are not interested due to their current job or salary; ask them and make them a solid offer with equity and salary information.
• 👥 If your friends are not suitable, consider approaching your co-workers and follow the same process of making real offers to potentially interested individuals.
• 🌐 Building a network with software engineers is crucial; consider working at a technology startup where you can interact and make connections with engineers and their friends.
• ️ Building this network may take time, but it is a worthwhile investment in your startup's future. Remember, startups are a long-term commitment.
• 💻 If you're inclined, learn how to code yourself through various online resources such as Codecademy or Lambda School.
• 🎓 For college students, take advantage of the opportunity to make friends with those learning how to code, as they can be future co-founders for your startup.
• 🔎 College is a great place to find potential co-founders, as demonstrated by the success of the author who found co-founders while still in school. Don't underestimate this opportunity.

Transcript

one question that we get a lot of YC is how to find a technical co-founder this is how I would think through this problem first I would start with your friends um how many of your friends do you really enjoy talking to and who know how to write code and even better write code every day as a primary part of their job I advise that you actually make ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I find a technical co-founder among my friends?

To find a technical co-founder among your friends, start by identifying those who are skilled programmers and make them a genuine offer to join your startup. Express your willingness to provide a fair equity share and discuss potential salaries once funding is secured. Don't hesitate to ask, as your friend may be interested in pursuing an entrepreneurial venture but is waiting for an invitation.

Q: What should I do if I have no suitable friends in my network who can be my co-founder?

If you don't have any friends who are proficient in coding, consider approaching co-workers who you get along well with at your current job. Follow the same process as with friends by making them genuine offers that include equity and future salary prospects. Building a startup with someone you already have a good working relationship with can be beneficial.

Q: How can working at a technology startup help me find a co-founder?

Joining a technology startup allows you to immerse yourself in an environment surrounded by software engineers and potential co-founder candidates. In smaller companies, there is more collaboration, interaction, and opportunity to build relationships. By making friends with your co-workers and their acquaintances, you can expand your network and find potential co-founders.

Q: Is learning how to code a viable option for finding a technical co-founder?

Learning how to code can be a valuable skill that not only allows you to become more self-sufficient but also attracts potential co-founders. When non-technical founders understand the basics of coding, it becomes easier to communicate ideas and collaborate effectively. Additionally, by immersing yourself in coding communities or bootcamps, you may encounter aspiring programmers who can become future co-founders.

Q: How can college be a great resource for finding co-founders?

College is an excellent opportunity to connect with potential co-founders, especially among those who are studying computer science or coding-related subjects. Seek out individuals who are learning how to code and build relationships with them. Some of these connections may become your co-founders a few years down the line. Don't underestimate the power of your college network when it comes to finding entrepreneurial partners.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Start by identifying friends who are skilled programmers and make them real offers to become your co-founder.

• If your friends are not suitable, explore potential co-founders among your co-workers who you get along well with.

• Joining a technology startup can help you build a network of software engineers and potentially find a co-founder.

• Consider learning how to code yourself or connect with people learning to code in college, as they might become future co-founders.