First technical hire for a non-technical founder

ScalerTeam

August 23, 2024

The first tech hire can make or break your startup. But how do you choose the right person if you’re not technical yourself?

Let’s say you’ve built your proof of concept, or maybe even have an MVP built by a 3rd party. Maybe you’ve got some funding now and you’re definitely ready to make your first tech hire. Let's break down what goes into making this choice:

🎯 Define Your Immediate Needs:

  • MVP development?

  • Technical strategy?

  • Team building?

  • Investor relations?

Your most pressing needs should guide your choice.

🧠 Consider These Roles:

  1. Senior Engineer: • Hands-on coding • Technical problem-solving • Faster MVP development

  2. CTO (Chief Technology Officer): • Strategic planning • Team leadership • Technology vision alignment

  3. Technical Co-Founder: • Combines coding skills with strategic thinking • Shares founder-level commitment

🔑 Key Factors in Your Decision:

  • Product Stage: Early prototype or ready to scale?

  • Funding: How much are money have you budgeted?

  • Who’s working on your product now: Nobody or an outsourced team?

  • The environment you’re operating in: How much personal data you handle? Are there any standards you have to adhere to?

💡 Pro Tips:

  1. Look for T-shaped skills: deep expertise in one area, broad knowledge in others.

  2. Prioritise adaptability and learning ability over specific tech stack experience.

  3. Don't underestimate values fit and communication skills.

  4. Consider a "CTO-track" Senior Engineer who can grow with your company.

🚫 Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

  • Hiring based solely on technical skills without considering leadership potential

  • Bringing on a CTO too early when you really need hands-on development

  • Undervaluing the importance of business acumen in technical roles

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The right hire aligns with your current needs and future vision.

What challenges have you faced in making your first technical hire?

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