Ask HN: I'm looking for a technical co-founder/partner.
As a preface, I've had a lot of software developed, but I've never worked full-time on software with a co-founder/partner. Much of this is new to me, so I would definitely be open to comments or ideas about the way I'm performing this search from other members of HN, especially about the responsibilities I've listed below.
The Offer : In one sentence, I'm looking for someone to work with me to build a Software as a Service business based in Japan. I'm experienced at IT sales, running a business and managing people. I have a large network of contacts in Japan, and Webnet IT has a large 'built-in' active customer base that are interested in software that provides value to their operations. Webnet IT is still my main operation, however I plan to spend a large portion of my time on this project once I find the right technical partner.
Here are some basic guidelines that are important to me :
- Skill Sets. I am not a coder. I have plenty of experience on the IT infrastructure side, and I've been running an IT business for 7 years, but I have no coding skills beyond basic scripts, basic PHP/MySQL and HTML. I'm hoping to find someone who is passionate about coding, and has either the experience in creating SaaS systems, or the periphery experience and the ambition and ability to create this level of application.
- The Idea. I have a number of ideas based on software I've developed and our customers requirements, but I'm open to discussion. I see this as something we'd generate and agree on together.
- Personality and Capability. I imagine we'll be spending a lot of time working together, and as a result, personality and attitude (and a sense of humour!) are paramount. This goes both ways - you need to be comfortable and happy working with me. I don't really mind about your background. I don't place too much stock in degrees and certificates. I'd be much more interested to hear about your personal software projects, your personal wins and your work experiences.
- Compensation. I'm open to ideas on compensation structures. If we get as far as discussing compensation, we can work out a fair and reasonable structure based on who you are, what you want, and what you can contribute. Naturally, "I want a large base and no revenue sharing or company percentages" is a very different conversation from "Give me a place to sleep and X% of the company".
- How we work together. I imagine that at the start, we'll discuss our ideas over Skype. I'll show you examples of the software I've designed and developed, you'll do the same for me. We'll put together a basic arrangement, and we'll do a couple of small projects to get an understanding of how we both work. When this goes well, we'll see if we can agree on a basic product road-map. If this goes well, we'll put together a plan to launch, detailing responsibilities and milestones. By this stage, we should have an agreement in place. Work begins. Within a few months, we'll need to be spending a good amount of time working together. As such, I'd like for you to be willing, happy and able to move to Japan. As we get busier and as we acquire customers, I'd be hiring more developers and support staff, most likely working under you.
Bio : Like any relationship, or perhaps even more so, the co-founder/partner type relationship is based on trust and understanding. As such, here is a brief biography to give you an understanding of who I am.
My name is Jason Winder, I'm Australian, I've been living in Japan for 8 years, and I run a business named Webnet IT that provides IT services to foreign companies in Japan.
Introduction : I was lucky enough to get a 2nd hand clunker computer when I was a kid. For the technically curious, it was a x8086 with a green TV as a monitor, two 5.25 floppy drives, no hard disk and about 128K memory. I grew up breaking, fixing and learning from this computer. From the experience gained from this PC over the years, I landed a job working for a large company out of high school. I then found work at a smaller company in Australia, then I moved to Japan. I worked for various IT companies for a couple of years, then I started my own company, Webnet IT.
Webnet IT : I didn't go to university, but I love learning. I started from a blank slate in regards to entrepreneurship. I've built up a consulting business by learning incrementally about business, sales and marketing. During this process, I designed software and systems that automate mundane tasks, and assist us doing things like generating quotes, invoices, sharing information with our customers, and many other things. Through this process, I've discovered I have a passion for developing software that helps people perform complex tasks both simply and efficiently. I'd like to build on this and develop useful software to sell to people.
Side note : My main PC these days is an Apple 15" MacBook Pro. I built my home PC myself, it's an Intel Core2Duo 3.06GHz running Windows 7 with 2x24" monitors.
You Would Be Responsible For
The technical and architectural infrastructure, Initially all coding, Eventually managing a small team of coders, Brainstorming ideas, and Creating a product roadmap with me.
I Would Be Responsible For
Sales and marketing, Funding, General hiring and Management, Accounting, Brainstorming ideas, and Creating a product roadmap with you.
I imagine these responsibilities will evolve over time, however I think it's important to do some initial general planning on expectations and responsibilities.
If this describes you and your situation, or if you have any comments or thoughts, I would be very happy to hear from you. Please contact me at jason@webnet-it.co.jp.
Thanks for your time reading this.
Jason
tl;dr 95%Biz/5%Tech guy looking for a Tech guy. btw Japan.