Swipe Files - 📂 How to find a technical cofounder

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If you’re a marketer looking to become a founder, this newsletter is for you.

Starting a startup alone is hard. Very hard.

Even as someone who learned to code, I still believe that the ideal setup is one cofounder focused on selling the product and one cofounder focused on building the product. Two very different jobs, both equally important, and nearly impossible to do simultaneously by one person.

But if you’re a marketer looking to find a technical cofounder, where do you start? My friend Jan at ReactSquad is a multi-time CTO and shared his thoughts with me.

We’ll break down two routes: how to attract a technical cofounder and what to do if you can’t find one.

If you’re a non-technical founder looking for a technical cofounder, it’s not just about finding someone who can code — it’s about finding someone who believes in your vision. And for them to believe in your vision, they need to believe in what you bring to the table.

As a non-technical founder, you need to demonstrate what value you bring to the partnership. Technical founders are looking for more than just a great idea — they want to work with someone who complements their skills.

• Networking and Social Skills: Most technical people excel at building products but may lack in areas like marketing, sales, or networking. If you’re skilled at connecting with people and promoting a product, this is a huge advantage.
• Clear Vision: You need to provide direction. If you have a well-thought-out product vision and a clear understanding of the market, this helps technical cofounders focus on what they do best—building the product.
• Product Design and UX Expertise: Great technical founders want to work on products that users love. If you have experience in product design or user experience, this is a skill you can use to attract a cofounder.
• Business Operations and Team Building: Many developers are laser-focused on coding but have little experience with the operational side of running a business. If you’re skilled at assembling teams, managing finances, or scaling operations, this makes you a valuable partner.

Finding the right person involves being in the right places and making the right connections. Here are some options to consider:

• Online Communities: Platforms like Hacker News, Indie Hackers, Twitter, and Reddit are great places to connect with developers who may be interested in joining a startup.
• In-Person Networking: While online is convenient, the best partnerships are often forged in person. Attend meetups, conferences, or hackathons related to web development, SaaS, or tech startups. Pitch your idea and meet technical people face-to-face.
• Pitch Your Vision: Once you meet a potential cofounder, pitch your idea clearly and compellingly. You need to show that your idea is exciting enough for them to leave a high-paying job to join you in the trenches.

Many technical people have stable, high-paying jobs and may be hesitant to take the risk of joining a startup. To win them over, you’ll need to address their concerns.

• Incentives: Offer compelling incentives, whether ethical (e.g., making a meaningful impact on the world) or financial (e.g., equity and the potential for future financial success). Show them why joining your startup is worth the risk.
• Energy and Enthusiasm: You may need to bring the excitement and passion to the table, especially if your technical cofounder is more introverted or risk-averse. Demonstrating confidence and vision can help motivate them to take the plunge.

Now, what to do if you can’t find a technical cofounder…

Sometimes, finding a full-time technical cofounder right away isn’t feasible. If that’s the case, there are alternative strategies you can pursue to keep your project moving forward.

If you can’t find an experienced cofounder, consider targeting younger, ambitious developers who are eager to learn and take risks.

• Target Young, Self-Taught Developers: Look for developers who may not have much to lose but have a passion for coding and a fast learning curve. Many successful startups were built by young developers who took big risks early on.
• Track Record of Learning: Focus on developers with a history of teaching themselves new skills quickly. These individuals can adapt to the challenges of building a startup and can grow with your company over time.

If finding a full-time cofounder proves difficult, consider bringing on a fractional CTO who can provide technical guidance and oversight for a limited number of hours each week.

• 5-10 Hours a Week: A fractional CTO can help you set up the architecture, manage the development process, and ensure your project is moving in the right direction without the need for a full-time commitment.
• Leverage Their Expertise: Even if they can’t join full-time right away, a fractional CTO can help get your product off the ground while you continue searching for a permanent cofounder.

Outsourcing the development of your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is another way to move forward without a full-time technical cofounder.

• Work with an Agency: You can hire an agency to develop your MVP while you handle the business side. This allows you to test your idea, get early customer feedback, and gain traction.
• Scale Slowly: As your product gains traction, your fractional CTO or part-time technical partner may become convinced to join you full-time. At that point, you can also start bringing development in-house by hiring your own team.

Finding a technical cofounder takes time, but it’s crucial to position yourself as a valuable partner and go where technical people gather. If you’re struggling to find the right person, consider alternatives like working with hungry learners, hiring a fractional CTO, or outsourcing your MVP development. These steps will help you keep your startup moving forward until you find the perfect cofounder.