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Oleksiy Pastukhov

Tech startups by non-tech founders: can they succeed?

Hey everyone, Do you think non-tech founders can run successful tech startup? What are the pros and cons you’ve noticed? Share your thoughts, please :)

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Raisa Shafiyyullah
I believe they can and they should. I'm a tech guy. I believe that technology and IT are tools to automate and expand a business. However, the key to success lies in the business itself and the product that it sells. I co-founded a startup with too many tech founders, and each of us had a huge ego and built our own versions of the solution, resulting in a lack of progress. And at the end, none of us could help with marketing, and the business as well. On the other hand, when I co-founded a startup with too many non-tech founders, it was the best option for me. They brought valuable business insights and solutions to the table, while I focused on the tech and product development. They took the lead in finding customers, funding, branding, etc. Also, when it comes to co-founders, it's important not to involve someone solely for their money. If they are just bringing money to the table, they should be an investor or angel, not a functional co-founder. He'll end up bossing you around.
Henry Walker
100%. Tech is only 1 part of the equation in a tech biz. I once worked for a tech company that exited for $250mm. Founder was a sales person with zero practical technical experience.
Mei
Absolutely. I am a non-technical founder and I built two successful fintech I am now exploring my next start-up idea. You have to focus on the value you bring to the table as a non-technical founder –– operations, sales and storytelling are superpowers.
JD
Yes, they can. It's important to remember that every startup is founded on a unique combination of the founder's skills, experience, network, and drive.
Aneesh Gupta
With the rise of no-code solutions, I'm actually beginning to question if a tech founder is even required? Being from a non-technical background I'd love to hear opposing views and thoughts. Of course the nature of what you're building playing a vital role.
Aneesh Gupta
@oleksiy_pastukhov1 Interesting point! Definitely having both kinds of expertise on board will help in the long term.
Carter Michael
100% Some founders work better in their tech stack working. Some work better managing.