4 Valuable Tech Partnerships for Non-Technical Founders
Head of Business Growth at JetRockets
We’ve written a lot about the startup landscape for non-technical founders. This is largely due to our extensive experience building success with some incredibly bright minds without technical backgrounds. We are hugely proud of the partnerships we’ve built with these entrepreneurs – and are eager to continue to meet with new non-tech founders who have great product ideas they want to bring to life.
If you’re a non-technical entrepreneur that’s found your way to this blog post, remember you don’t have to go it alone. There are several types of strategic tech partnerships that will allow you to leverage external expertise, resources, and support to drive the success of your venture.
Let's dive into four types of valuable tech partnerships you should consider to bolster your startup journey.
Types of Tech Partnerships for Non-Technical Entrepreneurs
1. A Technical Co-Founder
We’ve also written extensively about the importance of hiring a technical co-founder. In fact, we recently highlighted it amongst our top 4 tips for non-technical founders building a tech startup.
Hiring a technical co-founder is one of the most direct ways for you to bridge the technical gaps that make launching a startup difficult. This type of partner brings the technical expertise you lack to the table and typically takes the lead on product development, software engineering, and other technical aspects of the business.
Of course, you don’t want to hire just anyone. It’s important that you and your co-founder share a vision and work together to build and grow the startup. Check out the tips for building a tech startup blog we mentioned above for some actionable steps to find the right technical co-founder.
2. Technical Advisor or Mentor
Non-technical founders can also benefit from the guidance and expertise of experienced professionals in the tech industry by engaging technical advisors or mentors. These individuals provide valuable insights, advice, and strategic direction on technical matters, such as product development, technology stack selection, and scalability.
Technical advisors can play a crucial role in helping you make informed decisions and navigate the intricacies of the tech landscape. Their deep understanding allows them to provide nuanced insights and recommendations on technical matters that you may find challenging to grasp.
Moreover, they often have extensive networks within the tech industry, comprising seasoned professionals, investors, and potential collaborators. These connections might open access for you to valuable resources, such as talent pools, funding opportunities, and other strategic partnerships.
JetRockets’ top tips for finding a technical advisor or mentor:
- Tap into your existing professional networks to identify potential technical advisors or mentors. Reach out to former colleagues, industry peers, or contacts from relevant organizations or communities. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to expand your network and connect with experienced professionals in the tech field.
- Explore online platforms and communities dedicated to entrepreneurship, tech startups, and specific technology domains. Websites like LinkedIn, AngelList, or industry-specific forums and discussion groups can be valuable resources for finding potential technical advisors or mentors. Engage with members of these communities, share your goals and challenges, and seek recommendations for potential mentors or advisors.
- Participate in tech-focused incubator or accelerator programs. These programs often offer mentorship as part of their support services for startups. Research and apply to reputable incubators or accelerators in your industry or region that align with your startup's goals and values.
- Attend startup events, workshops, and networking sessions where you can meet experienced professionals from the tech industry. Look for events specifically tailored to entrepreneurs seeking mentorship or advice. Take advantage of networking opportunities to build relationships with potential mentors or advisors who share your interests and values.
3. Software Development Agency
We know. This makes us sound biased, but it’s true. For non-technical founders looking to build their product or platform, partnering with a custom software development agency is often necessary to bring your vision to life.
By hiring a software development partner, you’re tapping into the skills of professionals with expertise in various technologies, programming languages, and development methodologies. You’re also gaining access to a diverse pool of talent without having to hire a whole team in-house.
Custom software development agencies are well-equipped to streamline the development process, leveraging their experience and resources to deliver high-quality results efficiently. Moreover, they’re adept at building scalable solutions that can accommodate growing user bases, increased functionality, and evolving business requirements.
At JetRockets, we’ve curated a whole pool of resources to help non-technical founders choose the right software development partner:
- Not convinced you need a software development agency? Check out our blog highlighting the top three reasons you need one on your team.
- In the process of hiring a software partner, but don’t know how to qualify your options? Here are 8 questions to ask when outsourcing software development.
- Looking for a one-stop guide to choosing the right software development partner as a non-technical founder? Download our ebook that breaks down the entire process, featuring insights from those who’ve walked the same journey as you.
4. Tech Incubators or Accelerators
Joining a tech incubator or accelerator program can be a game-changer for non-technical founders embarking on their startup journey. These programs offer a wealth of benefits that can significantly accelerate the growth and success of your venture.
We already touched on their value in terms of finding a technical advisor or mentor, but tech incubators and accelerator programs also offer structured programs designed to support startups at various stages of growth.
For example, they can provide access to resources such as office space, infrastructure, tools, and software platforms, allowing you to focus on building your businesses without worrying about logistical challenges. Additionally, incubators and accelerators may offer educational workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs tailored to the needs of non-technical founders, helping you acquire essential skills and knowledge.
By leveraging the opportunities provided by these programs, you can accelerate your startup journey and increase your chances of success in the competitive tech landscape.
JetRockets: Your Strategic Partner in Success
Some of the most exciting projects we work on are with non-technical founders. In fact, we see ourselves as more than just a software development hire. We’re a strategic partner, mentor, and catalyst for growth, dedicated to helping non-technical founders turn their visions into reality and achieve their full potential in the competitive world of technology startups.
We understand the startup journey is especially daunting for non-technical founders. We’re ready to chat whenever you’re ready! Let’s connect to discuss your needs, concerns, and questions.
