Things to consider when building an MVP as a non-tech Founder

May 10th, 2024

Category: MVP Development
Tagged with: Co-Founder • Hiring • MVP Development • Startup Idea

Hey there, non-tech founders! So, you’ve got this amazing idea for a startup, right? You’re super excited to bring it to life, but there’s just one little hiccup – you’re not exactly a tech whiz. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Building your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can be a bit like navigating a maze, but fear not, we’re here to help guide you through it in plain.
Non-tech founders building an MVP often face various challenges. They fear most the technical knowledge gap i.e. understanding technical requirements and finding the right tech solutions can be daunting for those without a tech background. Most of the time founders are on limited budget and human resource constraints. Recruiting skilled technical talent or outsourcing development can be challenging, especially without established networks in the tech industry. Balancing the vision for the product with technical feasibility can be tricky, often leading to misunderstandings and delays. Learning from user feedback and iterating the product requires a nimble approach, which can be difficult without prior experience in product development. Most importantly, prioritizing tasks and managing timelines effectively is crucial, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities as a founder.

So consider the following:

1. Tech Talk Translated: First things first, let’s break down those techy terms into something we can all understand. You don’t need to be fluent in coding languages to get your MVP off the ground. Think of it like building a house – you might not know how to lay bricks, but you know what kind of house you want. So first thing first, build your MVP specifications document that puts your vision into paper.

2. Limited Resources, Big Ideas: We get it, you’ve got big dreams but maybe not the big budget to match. That’s okay! Just like a savvy shopper, you can find ways to make your money stretch further. Maybe start with the essentials and add the fancy features for your MVP after some validation later.

3. Building Your Dream Team: Finding the right tech talent to help bring your vision to life can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With a bit of networking and maybe a few LinkedIn searches you’ll find your dream team in no time. The thing is you need to actively hunt like you’re looking for a soulmate.

4. Setting Realistic Goals: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither your MVP could be. It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that building something customers will value takes time. Don’t rush the process, good things come to those who wait (and work hard).

5. Learning as You Go: Nobody expects you to know everything right off the bat. Building your MVP is a bit like learning to ride a bike – you might stumble a few times, but eventually, you’ll get the hang of it. Embrace the learning curve and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.

6. Time Management 101: Balancing your startup dreams with the rest of your life can feel like spinning plates sometimes. That’s why it’s important to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.

So, you’re ready to take the plunge and bring your startup idea to life, but you’re facing a crucial decision – should you hire an MVP developer or partner with one?

Hiring an MVP Developer:

Pros: When you hire an MVP developer, you have full control over the development process. You can set specific requirements, timelines, and expectations tailored to your vision.

Cons: Hiring can be costly, especially if you’re just starting. You’ll need to invest time and resources in recruiting, onboarding, and managing the developer, which may divert your focus from other aspects of your startup.

Partnering with an MVP Developer:

Pros: Partnering allows you to leverage the expertise of an experienced developer without the upfront costs of hiring. You can benefit from their technical knowledge and insights while focusing on your strengths, such as business development or marketing.

Cons: Finding the right partner may take time and effort. You’ll need to establish a strong working relationship based on trust and clear communication to ensure the success of your collaboration.

Consider your budget, timeline, and the level of control you want over the development process. If you have the resources and prefer full control, hiring might be the way to go. However, be prepared for the associated costs and responsibilities. If you’re looking to minimize costs and focus on your core competencies, partnering could be a smart move. Just be sure to choose a partner who shares your vision and values.

Whether you hire or partner with an MVP developer, the most important thing is to find someone who aligns with your startup’s goals and can help bring your vision to life. Building a successful startup is a team effort. You should choose your partners wisely and collaborate closely to maximize your chances of success.

If you’re looking for a long-term technical partner on your startup journey, feel free to reach out to us at cs [@] bugcrew.net, we’d love to work with you.