I'm a software guy that comes up with a lot of ideas that involve physical products. It would often be helpful if I knew an electrical engineer, or someone more in-tune with that space. I know that typically it's best to have someone that you already know - but I don't have someone like that.
I swear we should just pin this question to the top of Ask HN, it comes up so often.<p>I am not a founder (IANAF), but the general consensus seems to be you should become active in the space you want to found a company in. Attend workshops, take classes, go to meet-ups, events, conferences. Learn from and meet people interested in the same things you are, and eventually you will start to develop a network of talented people who could become potential co-founders or early employees.<p>As in all things worth doing, this will take time. But, it is likely to lead to a better result than you starting a company with the first person you meet that has the skills you need.
I met my co-founder through a Facebook group for founders. We spent over a month getting to know each other. She had already launched the company and I spent some time showing sample work so she knew I could do the work I said I could do. I also could see how our backgrounds and skills were complimentary to each other. Lastly we clearly laid out roles and responsibilities. Our company is www.allupfront.com.