[perfect_loop]

Thank you everybody for all the amazing advice, truly appreciate it. Some people have asked about my skill set. Aside from all the crazy business stuff I had to learn along the way, I was mostly focused on the product, which was a general-purpose optimizer for open source relational databases. I was in charge of high-level design and architecture and my 3 employees were the ones writing the actual code. But again, due to the nature of the product I was very much reading a lot of CS papers and books and the like.

I wouldn't call myself the best coder and to be honest I don't think I'd pass the FAANG puzzle interviews without some serious preparation. But I think I've amassed a lot of architecture and product design experience (along with debt lol) in the past 7 years.

There were also questions about my mental state. It was an extremely tough few years with lots of ups and downs and more than a few crying nights! but I haven't burned out. Oddly enough, I'm still excited about the startup world which is a surprise to a lot of people around me.

[simonw]

Sounds to me like you're an expert on relational database optimization. That's an extremely valuable specialty. Don't talk yourself down as "not the best coder"! You've been thinking about this problem for seven years.

Don't be too worried about the puzzle interview stuff. Many companies don't use them any more... and if you do want to apply someone that uses them I've heard there are excellent books that could get you fully up to speed in a few weeks.

[josh_carterPDX]

First of all, sorry for the failure of your company. I've been there and it's not fun. I am also looking for work, but finding it pretty difficult. My advice, lean on your network.

Also, I am writing a book about startup failure and would love to include yours if you're willing. You can email me at [e-mail].

Look forward to hearing from you and good luck on your search!

[perfect_loop]

Thanks Josh, I will email you when our company is officially shut down. I may have an experience or two that might be helpful to others...

[rajacombinator]

Did you look into acquihire? Did you have investors and if so did you tap them for soft landing assistance? 4 people working on highly technical database stuff sounds like a team that could get acquihired. Which is a lot better way to fail than hard landing.