Hey everyone! I'm a machine learning engineer currently building an app. I've finished the beta version but still need to refine it before going to production. I'm thinking about asking a senior engineer I know to join me in exchange for equity. This would allow me to focus more on the business side, and I believe his experience could help speed things up significantly. My question is whether I should proceed solo or invite this more experienced engineer to be part of my journey. Thanks for your insights!
5 Answers
I totally feel you on wanting to focus on the business side! But be careful—sometimes bringing in a co-founder can lead to disagreements on implementation. Make sure you both clearly understand your roles. If there's misalignment, it could cause tension later on, so setting expectations is key.
Honestly, finding a senior engineer willing to work for equity can be tough. If I were them, I’d want some sort of payment up front. You might want to consider getting a business loan to pay them from day one. It's a risky move, but if you believe in your app, pursuing funding could help solidify their commitment.
Before you decide, how many users do you have on your beta? Your biggest hurdle could be actually getting to market, so consider finding a co-founder experienced in that area and maybe hire a senior engineer if you need more dev capacity.
Have you thought about reaching out to a Startup Studio? They can provide funding through grants or equity and help you through the different phases of building your business. Let me know if you want more details!
Getting someone on board just for the equity isn't likely to work out unless they really believe in your vision. A better approach might be to find someone who can help you with business growth and marketing instead of just technical skills.
Right? I've seen partnerships break down because of different visions on how to execute things. Open communication is crucial!