[jjguy]

I’d recommend joining an existing, early stage startup in the same/similar niche you eventually want to build your own product in. While there, make an effort to network with the non-technical staff.

Not only will you learn a ton about shipping product in a startup (risking someone else’s money), but you will also grow your own network - including non-technical founder types.

This model worked for me. I spent twelve years with the US federal government. I had great tech and business skills, but it was all federally focused.

I joined the founding team of a startup, using my tech background. We got acquired 15 months in by a later stage startup. The resulting company IPO’d four years later. I joined another startup in the same industry as CTO just after their Series A, we got acquired two years later. Then I launched my own - 8 years after leaving the federal government.

It is a ton easier now, with all the relationships from the last two. (Not to mention the depth of knowledge on everything)

It is easy to think startups are all about the product & technology. But it is so much more!

[arbitrary_name]

A variation of this was posted above and I want to repeat: not always a great idea as it is easy to end up not having deep engagement with other business functions. It becomes heavily dependent on finding the right team.

Good options for maximizing your network 1) stay with a Faang and reach out to people internally - many of the best non tech people are inside Amazon, FB etc 2) consider consulting that blends you with larger teams or different functions, either with a company or freelancing.