I don't have the technical knowledge regarding my startup, so should I partner up with a 'technician' in the field?

**EntreProducer** · 02-10-2010 11:59 PM

I'm looking to have a revolutionary java-based computer program developed.

I personally am not skilled in java, which is programming code required to develop the application. I would, however, be able to put together a team of developers, and I understand the capabilities of the given technology.

Will an investor take me seriously if I personally do not know about the technology required to make my vision come true?

I'm in the process of drawing up a complete business plan. Should I partner up with a skilled java developer, or should I try to attain funding on my own?

**ACMAir** · 02-11-2010 12:03 AM

Do you know if your project is even feasible? You will definitely need a team, unless you are able to learn the coding.

If I was an investor, honestly, no I wouldn't. You have nothing currently to show for your idea, other than just that, an idea. Its harder to get someone to invest in an idea than something that is already made or in the process of being completed.

**EntreProducer** · 02-11-2010 01:23 AM

1) I know the project is feasible, however there are some very specific questions regarding the technology that i'd like to get answered. I feel that if I ask someone who has worked with this technology, they will become keen to my idea.

2) Luckily, the folks at sun microsystems have just developed a revolutionary platform which enables the fuctionality of my vision. So, half of the project is essentially complete - it's just a matter of expanding upon this new technology. I'm now rather confident that potential investors will share my vision based on current workable prototypes that can be developed and displayed.

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated!

**ACMAir** · 02-11-2010 01:27 AM

You sound confident. That's key! Sounds like you're on your way to turning your idea into reality. Best of luck my friend. Finding developers that are dedicated can be difficult though. You have to do a lot of research.

**Encrypted** · 02-11-2010 01:48 AM

Honestly, no programmer in their rightful mind is going to develop whatever it is you want them to develop without being paid upfront for it. That's just how it works, especially when you can't even contribute to the project at all.

**SteveG** · 02-11-2010 02:05 AM

I spent a fortune several years ago just trying to have a program customized to fit my needs. I was foolish. After severla programmers charged me a fortune for nothing I finaly decided to buy a book and a standard program and just do it myself. I think it took all of a week to get exactly what I wanted. It left a very bad taste in my mouth for using programmers, unless you know them very very well. Steve

**Encrypted** · 02-11-2010 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by SteveG

I spent a fortune several years ago just trying to have a program customized to fit my needs. I was foolish. After severla programmers charged me a fortune for nothing I finaly decided to buy a book and a standard program and just do it myself. I think it took all of a week to get exactly what I wanted. It left a very bad taste in my mouth for using programmers, unless you know them very very well. Steve

A week? I highly doubt that; unless what you wanted coded was extremely simple.

**SteveG** · 02-11-2010 02:17 PM

I was just making the point it is difficult to find computer programmers and then get them to do what you want. In my case I was simply trying to customize an accounting program. I looked a bit closer and found existing programs that could be modified to suit my needs. I am sure your case is much different. Steve

**Anon206** · 02-11-2010 11:13 PM

I am interested in your plan to attract a technical cofounder.

**Tzarkov** · 02-13-2010 06:05 PM

I am a coordinator of the association on young entrepreneurs and business owners in Uruguay. We focus on the internationalization of local businesses through relationships with overseas commercial partners. In case you are under age 50, let me know if you are interested in being part of our database of international entrepreneurs and join our network.

we can help you find an overseas technical partner for your project.

Feel free to email me at rodriguezlaurta @ gmail.com

**jsayers** · 02-13-2010 07:10 PM

I would produce the software before trying to obtain funding for the business venture.

**Filip** · 02-14-2010 04:10 PM

EntreProducer: Don't make the same mistake as I did. I had a brilliant idea for the Scandinavian market that required programming that I wasn't able to do alone. I hired a company from India but soon realized that I couldn't afford paying them every time a problem needed to be fixed. While I was developing the service a team of two people released their website with the same concept. They got front page articles in the biggest newspapers.

What I'm trying to say is that to be successful you need to set up a team of people with different qualifications. But remember that if you are going to tell another person about your idea, you need to convince that person that he is more or less dependent on you to succeed. Otherwise there is a chance that he will steal your idea.

So, don't let your eager for profit fool you. Partner up with a skilled java developer and contact an investor afterward, if it is necessary.

**Mel2010** · 02-14-2010 05:00 PM

Get a programmer and developer and have them sign a NDA before embarking on the project.

**Will** · 02-15-2010 05:57 AM

Richard Branson's company has gone into space travel and developed a rocket to take passengers into space for leisure, I am sure he had nothing to do with the assembly of that!

Point being, you can definately do it without full knowledge of how to code the program, but you will need to bring a good team around you who do, and manage them well.