[donohoe]

No. This is probably a dumb question to many people here. I'm asking as I have no idea, because all I know is how to code and build things and nothing about startups or business. However others here have deep knowledge on the subject.

So I'm asking for help and not cynicism.

[joystickers]

I apologize if I offended you. First thing I would do if I were you would be to check out resources like Mixergy, This Week in Startups, and read Rework by 37Signals. I know that isn't a direct answer to your question, but that's because I think you're asking the wrong question. Can you elaborate on what you want to build and why you need a fleshed out company right off the bat?

[donohoe]

I wasn't offended, I just wanted to be clear to you and anyone else that I wasn't kidding and I realize the naivety it carries in some ways.

I cannot elaborate on the product.

[fragmede]

> Now we need to factor in medical, dental, 401K, office space, admin, laptops/desktops/devices/licenses, server space, business card, legal, expected travel expenses and such...

It reads like a joke because of the above list. Those are luxuries. You presumably already have a personal laptop, and a linode instance is quite affordable. Start there.

If you haven't already read pg's bit about ramen profitability, you should: http://www.paulgraham.com/ramenprofitable.html

[donohoe]

Ok, so I wasn't clear. I'm not talking about bare-bones. I am talking about 'luxuries' as a means to get developers. I'm also talking about market rate salary and benefits since to get experienced devs, the types that might have families, mortgages to pay.

I'm not talking about 3 guys sleeping rough in a studio, coding to all hours.

I realize many/most startups don't start with the needs I am describing.

Also, I'm also just looking for a completely rough-guess answer.

If you think it's $1 million then fine, if you think it's $500 million or 2 shekels, great too. Just add a little insight into your quote and it would be appreciated.