Finding a technical co-founder can be one of the most important decisions you make and it’s not always easy. Seeking out someone who has a passion for your business, shares your vision for the company, and has all the technical knowledge to develop it is probably going to take some time. Don’t worry, there are avenues you can take to shorten the road (no pun intended).
If you have no idea how to find a technical co-founder and are debating going solo, stop, take a breath, and read on.
Network!
We know, we know–this seems obvious. But, networking to find that perfect business partner with the technical knowledge of a CTO and the drive to craft the direction of the company looks different than attending the next Chamber of Commerce happy hour. There are specific groups online and in-person you can attend.
In-person
It’s not always possible (or required), but ideally, your co-founder lives in the same area. This will make the development of your company much easier, especially in the early days when you’ll likely be in overdrive.
Start the search by attending local tech events. A few good options include tech meetups, conferences, start-up events, and listings on Eventbrite.
Before you attend, make sure you know what kind of tech co-founder you’re looking for. Do you need someone with backend software development background? Or someone who is good with database building? Brush up on your technical knowledge and learn what’s trending in the industry like the type of codebase that most savvy developers are using these days. You don’t need to pull an all-nighter, but learn enough so you can have a like-minded conversation with potential co-founders. Sites like GitHub, Hacker News, and Product Hunt are good places to start.
Online
If there are no local options, the internet is flush with opportunity. AngelList, for example, is a great place to start the search by posting the job on their free platform where millions of people go to look for co-founder roles at companies or full-time jobs at start-ups across a variety of industries. You can also consider joining Facebook or LinkedIn groups dedicated to connecting tech enthusiasts. Another great way to get involved is by participating in community forums where you can personally connect and see if anyone might know of a great potential fit for the job. The top contenders are:
- Reddit Technology
- TechSpot Forums
- Digit Technology Discussion Forum
- Tech Support Guy Forums
- Starthawk
Think Outside the Box
Finding the perfect technical co-founder is the goal, but if your fated partner has yet to reveal themselves don’t be afraid to pivot. There are many companies that provide the technical support you need. Masslight, for example, is a team of full-service experts that build high-end mobile and web applications for early-stage start-ups in exchange for equity.
Of course, this type of partnership should not be entered into lightly. It’s important to go over the terms with a fine-tooth comb and consider things like the length of time the services will be provided and any additional strings that attach you to that company.
Fractional CTO
You might also consider hiring a Fractional CTO–someone with all the skills of a technology executive that serves on a part-time basis until you find your co-founding soul mate. In fact, some start-ups start with a Fractional CTO as there are many benefits that accompany this type of partnership.
In a recent interview, several Fractional CTOs shared their take, including Ashutosh Mishra, a full stack developer with Obsidian Security:
“Consider hiring two different CTOs within a span of two years on the basis of one-year contracts. Your team gets exposure and experience working with two different professionals.”
If this sounds like a possibility, some companies to consider include:
Remember the ‘ABC’ Rule
The reality is, as a founder, you’re going to face a lot of new challenges–some you and your co-founder can tackle alone but others may require some guidance. That’s why, even after you’ve found the technical co-founder of your dreams you should follow the ABC rule–always be connecting.
Getting advice from other entrepreneurs who have been in the same boat can only be beneficial. It gives you the unique opportunity to learn from their mistakes so you can avoid making them and mentumm accelerator is here for it. They can also help suggest a potential technical co-founder that your group may have within their network!
mentumm accelerator is a community built to support and champion entrepreneurs offering resources that will not only help you combat the inevitable challenges of starting a business but also give you the tools you need to thrive. Live monthly workshops, helpful resource recommendations, Facebook groups, monthly virtual meetings, and access to a network of hundreds of founders who want to connect and help are just a few of mentumm accelerator’s benefits.
Finding your technical co-founder is an important step to starting your business, but it’s just the beginning of your journey. Let mentumm accelerator accompany you for the long haul by consistently offering the resources you need most.
Access The Resources You Need
Author: Joe Buzzello & Tom Healy
Joe Buzzello & Tom Healy are the Co-Founders of mentumm and have a shared mission to help entrepreneurs grow faster and have a greater impact on the world.