I am seeking a technology co-founder for a web startup in the wedding or niche travel space. Ideally this person would be located in or near New York City.<p>I will be upfront. I am not a programmer but I do have what I consider to be strong ideas and have done extensive research on my ideas/web startups. I know what you are thinking. Business person who overestimates their value to company. No. I will divide equity equally with the right person and am not only looking for someone to develop the site but for a true business partner. Additionally, I would like to, if possible, apply to ycombinator for the summer.<p>If you are interested in discussing my ideas further, feel free to email me (address below). Also, I am interested in hearing about people's experiences working on teams where one person was a technologist and the other person was not or advice regarding my search for a technology co-founder.<p>Thanks.<p>melissa_colella@hotmail.com
"I am not a programmer" - "I will divide equity equally"<p>Aren't these 2 statements a little inconsistent?<p>"I do have what I consider to be strong ideas"<p>Don't we all?<p>I have a feeling that you need to get used to the idea that a web startup is all about building the product (at least at this stage).<p>2 non-programmers = bad<p>1 non-programmer + 1 hacker = better<p>2 hackers = best<p>I really don't mean to pick and I certainly don't want to rain on your parade. Just a quick reality check from a seasoned hacker.<p>I hope your idea is fantastic and you find the perfect match. Good luck!
Don't let anyone tell you can't do it, where there is a will there is way. I do have to say that if you don't find someone if you are serious about this you should build a prototype yourself. I think even if doesn't become the actual site , the experience you will learn will be invaluable. Also if I was a person who you were recruiting it would impress me that you cared that much to learn. Plus you ability to communicate with a technical co-founder will be that much better. I also think don't underestimate the power of prototype to get you funding.
Although not having a programmer on your team as a founder will hurt your chances if you're applying to YC, if your idea is sound and you are flexible you could always hire someone (even contract someone or outsource it) to build your idea, just make sure that person is pretty invested in making a good product, not just "doing a job". In addition to regular pay, you should still offer a good amount of equity (non-controlling) in the company that he's building for.<p>Put another way: A good way to find a programmer who could turn into a business partner is to start on your own and hire contractors. Eventually you'll find one who really gets along well with you and has a similar vision as you do. At this point (and after you've experienced "working" with him) you could bring him on as a partner and viola, you've got a programming co-founder.
I think 1 business geek + 1 hacker has better chance of success than 2 business hacker. Paypal was founded on a similar model. However, what often happens is one partner tends to underestimate the hacker - either the business geek finds the hacker useless or vice versa. I guess some level of understanding and respect is an important element in any partnership.
I'm just curious how you came about this site? This doesn't seem the most general entrepreneurial site out there.<p>sidenote: seems googling "news yc" no longer asks if I meant "news NYC"