Finding a technical cofounder is a huge pain for so many people.
That’s because they’re using a “desperate” playbook. A couple years ago, I did the same. It didn’t work.
Here’s the new playbook I used & found my technical cofounder @gill_works for @getcuppaio 🔥
A thread 🧵
That’s because they’re using a “desperate” playbook. A couple years ago, I did the same. It didn’t work.
Here’s the new playbook I used & found my technical cofounder @gill_works for @getcuppaio 🔥
A thread 🧵
1) Acknowledge their value
Technical cofounders are not an add-on bogie to your train. They’re the real product builders so naturally they’re in high demand. Acknowledge this truth. Their bandwidth is limited. So getting one to join your idea is not easy.
Technical cofounders are not an add-on bogie to your train. They’re the real product builders so naturally they’re in high demand. Acknowledge this truth. Their bandwidth is limited. So getting one to join your idea is not easy.
2) Technincal cofounders don’t care about your idea/deck
Unlike investors, technincal cofounders dont care about your fancy jargon pitch decks unless you’re a successful founder already. They are skeptical about your idea and it’s your job to show confidence thru traction.
Unlike investors, technincal cofounders dont care about your fancy jargon pitch decks unless you’re a successful founder already. They are skeptical about your idea and it’s your job to show confidence thru traction.
3) Build relationships long before the ask
You can’t meet someone for 2 days & present your ask right away. I’m a host of many meetups (both in Atlanta) & online gatherings & have always built relationships w devs. Gill & I knew each other for months before we worked together.
You can’t meet someone for 2 days & present your ask right away. I’m a host of many meetups (both in Atlanta) & online gatherings & have always built relationships w devs. Gill & I knew each other for months before we worked together.
4) Build momentum
People want to get in on a bus that’s moving and knows where it’s going. Don’t sit still, make daily progress.
This is 2020. Use no-code tools.
I built a hacky crappy but functioning MVP of Cuppa myself and invited 20 real users to test it including Gill 😀
People want to get in on a bus that’s moving and knows where it’s going. Don’t sit still, make daily progress.
This is 2020. Use no-code tools.
I built a hacky crappy but functioning MVP of Cuppa myself and invited 20 real users to test it including Gill 😀
5) Rally a community of early users
Momentum with early community is a deadly combo. Get your early users talking abt your product in public & generate buzz even with a crappy MVP. Technical cofounders want to join a party 🎉 that’s popping. Show your leverage.
Momentum with early community is a deadly combo. Get your early users talking abt your product in public & generate buzz even with a crappy MVP. Technical cofounders want to join a party 🎉 that’s popping. Show your leverage.
6) Make the ask simple and clear
I didn’t ask anyone to join me until it was absolutely needed. My MVP was getting overwhelmed & was ready for a v2. I circled 2 people among my dev friends on my mind and just called Gill first.
120 seconds in, he said yes. I was surprised! 😍
I didn’t ask anyone to join me until it was absolutely needed. My MVP was getting overwhelmed & was ready for a v2. I circled 2 people among my dev friends on my mind and just called Gill first.
120 seconds in, he said yes. I was surprised! 😍
7) Let them be themselves
Startups are a commitment. The best long term move is letting your co-creators be themselves. Gill is 100% not me.. in many respects and that’s why I respect him. He is uniquely himself and we both complement each other 💯
Startups are a commitment. The best long term move is letting your co-creators be themselves. Gill is 100% not me.. in many respects and that’s why I respect him. He is uniquely himself and we both complement each other 💯
That’s all folks. I have come a long way from being a desperate cofounder looking for people to join. What’s funny is I’m still me, what’s changed in my playbook and the understanding of leverage. Hope this helps someone today.
RT, like or follow for more insights 🙏
RT, like or follow for more insights 🙏
