[tauv]

Maybe the idea is too big for the incentives you are offering?

What is the right developer?

A lot of start-ups are still looking for that all singing braniac super rock ninja star developer who can program 10 times as fast as everyone else.

But often they aren't willing to pay 10 times as much, or even a reasonable amount.

Keep in mind if you can't afford to pay a developer to work full time, then you need to pay them enough to make sacrificing a large portion of their social and family life in pursuit of seeing your idea succeed.

Also think about how you are pitching the idea. These guys are investors too, they are investing their time, years of experience, wisdom and hard graft into your idea. They need to believe that this will succeed if they push it hard enough.

Worst cases:

Your idea sucks - don't listen to nay-sayers so keep going even if everyone else says it won't work. Dont stop till you are ready too

Your idea is too big - break it into something smaller and more achievable

[dmlevi]

Well said. We did break it down to MVP. One reason it was turned down because the developer did not want to sign an NDA. We are not looking for a ninja braniac haha although that would be nice. We just want someone that is ready to join the team ;) They will paid for the job with equity incentives.

[scottyallen]

Get used to developers not wanting to sign NDAs. We've had it banged into our heads again and again that we shouldn't be signing NDAs, particularly when just starting to talk with someone about their project. Besides, it'll be good practice when you pitch to VCs - they don't sign NDAs either:)

[dmlevi]

We understand there are a million great ideas and its all execution but whats to stop a developer from saying "wow thats a great idea, I dont need them" When you are approaching a VC you already have eyes and a revenue model. They are already too late. I hear you and we are open to sharing our ideas without NDA's through personal connections. We have shared with developers that are connected in Chicago land area and if we could get a personal connection we dont have a problem with that.

[scottyallen]

The counter argument to that is "Great idea - what other value are you going to bring to the table?" For me, being asked to sign an NDA is often a signal that they don't have anything else unique to bring to the table, which is usually a recipe for failure. Instead, there should be some other reason why this idea will only succeed if you do it. Some good ones are personal domain expertise, access to partnerships, access to distribution channels, design/marketing skills, etc.

If all you bring to the table is an idea, than to be honest, the developer probably doesn't need you.

[dmlevi]

Well we were trying to stay modest but heres why we make great parnters.

1 - Our Education. MBA Students from University of Chicago Booth. Ranked top 5 MBA every year. The network is extremely strong and we have all the connections a startup could need.

2 - We have seed $. We can pay you to bang out the MVP in no more than 6 weeks with a nice equity bonus. We are looking for a partner.

3 - We are good guys. We want to make it and we think this is it. Simple as that. Its not this is my idea, do this or do that. The developer will be a partner and have insight and say. We hope to sell and then move on as a team to the next job.

[scottyallen]

Not to belabor the point, but none of the three things you listed are unique to you. They're the same three things that every other entrepreneur that's looking for an engineer or CTO is saying to prospective candidates.

None of these three points say anything about what you bring to the table that the engineer couldn't find anywhere else (ie, domain knowledge, partnerships, distribution, etc). Once you figure that part out, you won't need the NDA, because it would be a bonehead move to try and build it without you. Not to mention, your likelihood of success will go up dramatically.

Just my 2 cents...

[tauv]

I think a savvy developer would still want hard cash or something tangible other than just equity which is very volatile, although equity is an awesome bonus (if you get us an MVP /when we launch we will give you X%)

NDAs I think aren't so great either, even if a developer passes up, it makes it hard for them to recommend a someone else

If they don't pass it up, it makes it just that bit more stressful having to work very hard for an uncertain reward

Limited equity Some cash, even if it's just a token gesture (get what you pay for) A lot of gratitude Be more open, if developers can talk about your idea you might get people asking to work with or for you

Unless you've got the financial clout to go after anyone who breaches your NDA I'd guess you could hire a whole team of developers full-time. If not, well someone like Apple or Google will drown you in court if your idea really is that ground breaking. :( sad way

[dmlevi]

Great advice. This has been a learning experience for us. Although this is my idea, I am creating a team. Im letting people in on this. There is no way I can do this myself so we are truly looking for a partner. We are in Chicago with connections to lightbank, and all sorts of great stuff. My busines partner goes to U of Chicago Booth and his network is impressive.

As for NDA's we agree. We know its a sensitive subject but NDA's can be terminated once trust is built ;) In the beginning and over the internet (although HN is supposed to be a safe environment) we have made the decision to have NDA's pre beta release. Its really just precautionary measures...kinda like a prenup! We don't suspect anything bad will happen but its there just incase.

[SingAlong]

Maybe you should add your email to your profile or here in the post. The email field on your HN profile isn't public. You need to add it to the about field :)

[dmlevi]

haha thanks for your help

contact dmlevi[AT]GMAIL