Hey folks! I recently graduated with a Master's in Strategy & Innovation, and I'm aiming to launch my own startup, likely in the SaaS space. I'm planning to take the next 3-5 years to build my work experience and technical skills before diving in. I've got some background in front-end development (HTML, CSS, JS) and I've dabbled in Python, but I'm a bit rusty. My question for you all: is it realistic for someone like me to get proficient enough in 3-5 years to create and maintain a minimal viable product (MVP) on my own? What's the smartest technical path to focus on—web development, mobile app development, AI/machine learning, or a combination? Should I specialize in one area or aim for a broader, full-stack understanding? I'm committed to investing consistent time into this alongside my job and would love insights from those who've been there or who've worked with founders on their first product. Thanks!
4 Answers
It’s a tough call! While you can definitely learn the skills to create something within two years, the biggest challenge often comes from having a realistic plan. Non-tech founders can easily underestimate the complexity of their ideas. You’ll need a clear market research and a solid business plan alongside your technical skills for a successful venture. That said, you can learn the basics of coding and build an MVP in under two years if you stay focused.
Five years to learn coding definitely sounds right, but your effort matters a ton! It’s best to aim for a broad skill set since building something on your own means you’ll need to tackle multiple elements. Plus, getting feedback from experienced developers is invaluable—try to find opportunities to work alongside them or join open source projects to learn faster.
Good point! Networking and working with others can really fast-track your learning process.
Honestly, becoming technically proficient enough in 3-5 years is possible, but it heavily depends on your dedication. Many successful people didn’t have perfect backgrounds, but they took action and put in the effort. If your goal is to launch that MVP, start now—focus on building something and learn as you go. That way, you’ll see what’s working and what needs improvement based on user feedback.
Yes, you can learn enough tech skills, but don’t forget about the other parts of running a startup, like marketing and sales. If you’re coding all the time, you might miss out on effectively scaling your business, so manage your time well!
Yeah, I totally agree! Understanding the scope of what you want to build is key. Make sure your idea is feasible before diving too deep into coding.