[iamshs]

I am also on the verge of starting a company, and it makes me afraid. More so, upon reading this thread. Looks like there are lot of entrepreneurs in this thread, so some advice maybe good for me. I have identified a pain point in a present system at my company, and since then got to know that this is a industry wide problem. My employer would not solve this issue, and would not give me permission to build it on my own time, as one of my colleague suggested the same six months back and they were not enthusiastic and would not release him from the specific clause in the job's terms and conditions. One of my Managers, who left the company, and is still on good terms with me proposed the idea to his company and the company wants to see the initial prototype. I have none at this point, so will need to develop it.

The problem is, I cannot forego my job income because of upcoming personal situation. Potential customer will not give me lump sum money, and wants to hire me as a consultant, but then I would not be able to sell it to other customers. If I build the product in my spare time, my employer owns it as it is directly in company's field of operation. Angel networking people I have talked to have also asked for a working prototype, but I have none and for building one a good developer will be needed.

So can somebody please give some suggestions on this? Or if someone from Edmonton or Alberta is reading this please get in touch with me @ [e-mail] .

[fractallyte]

Actually, this sounds like a non-problem.

The most crucial first step is to change your frame of mind: you're not bound to any employer, and your personal time is entirely your own.

Develop a prototype in your own time, get lots of feedback to improve it, and suddenly all sorts of avenues and options will be open to you.

You could license it back to your company (for a price); if that's rejected, go somewhere else. It certainly sounds as though there's a gap in the market, so the obvious thing to do would be to fill it - ASAP.

Think of it this way: you're working your way toward financial freedom. Why allow anyone to put obstacles in your way?

[tim333]

I think iamshs was saying " If I build the product in my spare time, my employer owns it as it is directly in company's field of operation"

Maybe iamshs could switch to another job, perhaps something a bit more part time without the non competes and build the thing on the side then?

[iamshs]

Yup, my job's clause states that any product directly aligned with company's processes will be owned by the company, even if built away from company's property.

That is what I was thinking, of changing jobs. I have talked to lot of friends and they all have this clause as a standard. I think going part-time is a good suggestion. Because even yesterday I had a chance meeting with one of local company's director and he was also up to see the product and said if I "build it solidly, company will be my first flag". I want to build this thing ASAP.