·4 min read
Technical Co-founder vs Hiring a Developer
Both can work. The right choice depends on your situation, not general advice from Twitter.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Co-founder | Hired Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Equity (25-50%) | Cash ($3k-15k+) |
| Commitment | Long-term | Project-based |
| Control | Shared decisions | You decide |
| Speed to start | Slow (finding someone) | Fast (can start now) |
| Risk | Wrong fit is costly | Can switch providers |
Find a Co-founder If
- •You're building a venture-scale business
- •The product is deeply technical
- •You want a long-term partner
- •You have no budget
- •You need someone as committed as you
Hire a Developer If
- •You're validating an idea quickly
- •The product is relatively standard
- •You want full control
- •You have budget but not time
- •You can manage the technical direction
Where to Find Technical Co-founders
- •Your existing network (best)
- •Startup events and meetups
- •Twitter/X tech communities
- •Y Combinator co-founder matching
- •Indie Hackers community
Red Flags in Either Case
- •No portfolio of shipped products
- •Can't explain things simply
- •Overpromises on timeline
- •Dismissive of your ideas
- •More excited about tech than users
A bad co-founder is worse than no co-founder. A bad hire can be fixed. Choose carefully.