The CTO-Less Startup

True or False: You need to know how to code to get your startup running

Let’s face it.

We can’t all be programming savants with the vision of Steve Jobs. It can seem impossible to start a tech company from scratch without a technical background, but the truth of the matter is, you don’t need to know how to code in order to ship. With the proliferation of web networks and co-working spaces, more and more dreamers with big ideas are coming up with product first and partnering up with talent later down the line. So if you think those CodeAcademy classes you’re taking during lunch breaks are the key to get your product up and running, I’m going to go and crush your dreams now and here’s why:

Focus on your product

Before code comes idea. Before idea comes the customer.

Therefore, the first thing founders need to focus is testing your idea in the market. Work on concepts, talk to customers, and keep a laser focus on product before you even think about building. Sometimes, overly technical founders can get lost in sitting behind a desk rather than going out to get the customers they need to grow their business.

Work off your strengths, not weaknesses

It takes years to master the engineering languages needed to ship a great product. Rather than sink that time into skills you may not be able to master to your best advantage, make connections with those that can. Rely on third party developers or, if you are able, hire your own programmer.

It’s always useful to learn new skills and it helps to be technically literate enough to understand how to build the minimum viable product, but let the professionals handle the heavy duty coding. Manage your expectations and know that if you’re starting completely from scratch, building the project on your own could be mission impossible. Your job as a founder is to test the idea, iterate, and improve. Then, communicate your ideas to your team and lead execution.

Make connections where you can

Being a non-technical founder can be a blessing in disguise. It allows you to think of the perfect product without limitations. According to Taskworld’s founder Fred Mouawad:

“I don’t have a technical background, but I don’t see that as a weakness. It lets me dream big and think without restrictions. Great things happen with you don’t realize something is impossible”.

Coding is only one part of the equation. Fred spent years testing the MVP version of Taskworld internally before using utilizing resources from his IT company to produce the current version.

It is tough for a non-technical person to hire engineering talent because you don’t know what you’re looking for, so reach out to your network and work off their collective knowledge. Past colleagues, friends, people from co-working spaces that share your vision, anybody can help.

In the end, no matter when the technical talent comes in, it all boils down to seeing a problem, having an amazing idea on how to solve it, and inspiring those around you to take up the reigns as well. It’s all about execution.

You can’t code. So what.

Don’t let that stop you from making an awesome product. Just get out there, talk to your customer base and get started.

About the author

Jennifer Katanyoutanant is a growth hacker/content producer, She writes about start ups, small business, and tech in Asia.