Ask HN: Would you join startup doing ICO

[krakr]

I'm in process of interviewing with early stage startup for role of CTO. They're after small founding round, build prototype with outsourcing company and are looking to go live soon. They seem to have good traction with product so far.

Conversation we had were very positive. But i've found out that other two founders are considering implementing part of the product using blockchain tech just to get potential of rising founds with ICO. As much as i believe blockchain is interesting tech I don't think it's useful to solve this problem. It would be just a way to get a lot of founds fast.

I've decided that i don't want to put my name to another 'scam' ICO. Because of that i'm passing otherwise very attractive role and potential to work comfortably on ICO pile of cash. I wonder how would you behave in my position.

[goldenbeet]

So normally the idea of doing an ICO isn't really an issue for me. I care more about the product and the tech behind it. If it's something I believe in then I could care less about whether or not they decide to do an ICO.

However in this case, the phrasing of:

> considering implementing part of the product using blockchain tech just to get potential of rising founds with ICO

would have me worried. The idea of trying to go for a cash grab just because they can doesn't sound like a good idea. If the product isn't directly related to blockchain tech/decentralization then trying to incorporate it just for an ICO is a bad move, imo.

[krakr]

well they have a good story that sounds realistic of why they 'want' to use blockchain. But it is not really solving any problems, it's not going to make a product better.

[pinewurst]

I totally think you're making the right decision.