The question:<p>If I have technical skills and can build a prototype myself, what sort of skills or experience should I look for in a business co-founder?<p>Is it marketing experience? Salesmanship? A large network? What are the most important things I will need in order to turn my app into a business?
Interesting question. I know what I'm looking for in the hypothetical "business co-founder" for Fogbeam Labs:<p>Some or all of the following (not <i>necessarily</i> in this order)<p>1. Sales experience in our domain (enterprise software in our case), and experience actually closing deals.<p>2. Enough technical knowledge, and/or willingness to learn, to contribute to the product vision / roadmap in a meaningful way.<p>3. Experience with marketing activities and strategy related to our field. IOW, somebody who understands demand creation and positioning.<p>4. A large Rolodex of contacts who might turn into customers / investors / partners for us.<p>5. At least a passing familiarity with the ideas behind Customer Development and the Lean Startup Approach.<p>6. Any previous experience with raising funds from investors, or previous startup experience, would be a great bonus as well. Having gone through a few iterations of Customer Development activities would be especially nice.<p>7. An open mind, and a desire to learn and do / try new things.