Finding the perfect co-founder or CTO is one of the most critical steps for non-technical founders venturing into the startup world. Insights from seasoned CEOs and founders reveal invaluable strategies to navigate this daunting task. From hiring inexpensive developers first to seeking vision-aligned co-founders, this article compiles a wealth of knowledge with 10 essential tips. Discover the common thread of shared values and practical networking advice as you read on for the ultimate guide to co-founder matchmaking.

• Hire Inexpensive Developers First
• Seek Vision-Aligned Co-Founders
• Leverage Existing Networks
• Find Co-Founders With Shared Passions
• Network at Tech Events
• Partner With Colleagues
• Prioritize Shared Values
• Use Personal Networks
• Align Visions and Skills
• Find Value-Aligned Tech Professionals

Hire Inexpensive Developers First

In 2024, you are absolutely crazy if you bring on a CTO and give him 50%, as was previously common.

There are so many new code tools for building websites and even entire applications, as well as AI tools to actually write code.

If all of these are not enough, you are much better off saving some money from your day job and hiring a low-cost developer from Upwork or in the Philippines.

Marketing your startup is going to be the much more difficult part, and you deserve to hold onto your equity.

In my previous startup, Findsy, this is the exact approach I took. I recruited a great, inexpensive developer on the top job board in the Philippines and had him build the MVP. Once we started making revenue, I hired him full-time and did give him some equity.

Ben Miller, COO, Undetectable AI

Seek Vision-Aligned Co-Founders

Finding a co-founder with technical expertise required looking beyond skill sets to find someone who shared Edumentors' vision. I attended start-up networking events and sought referrals from trusted contacts, eventually connecting with a candidate whose passion matched my own. We discussed our goals openly, which showed us that we had complementary strengths: my focus on education and their tech skills. Our alignment on values has been the foundation of our partnership. For non-technical founders, finding a CTO who resonates with your mission can create a resilient, well-rounded leadership team.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Leverage Existing Networks

Finding my co-founder and CTO, Andrew Kopplin, was a result of aligning shared visions and leveraging existing networks. We both attended Brown University, where I initially connected with Andrew. His expertise in cloud computing and developer experience complemented my focus on business strategy and user experience design.

Back in college, as interest from schools grew rapidly, it became evident that I needed technical leadership to scale our startup, Rocket Alumni Solutions. Andrew had already made significant contributions to back-end infrastructure for major companies, demonstrating his capability to handle our technical needs. His passion for rapid execution and using new technologies perfectly matched my startup ethos.

Andrew's participation in creating modern touchscreen software was pivotal. We built solutions that resembled Google Drive for touchscreens, focusing on real-time previews, ease of use, and minimalistic design—all things we both valued from the beginning. This strategic partnership enabled us to grow from a college project to a startup with over $2 million ARR without any outside funding.

Chase Mckee, Founder & CEO, Rocket Alumni Solutions

Find Co-Founders With Shared Passions

My co-founder is my wife, Kate. Our love for photography brought us together, and we soon realized that we also shared a passion for entrepreneurship. It was a natural decision to make her the CTO of Kate Backdrops, and it has been an incredible journey ever since.

Finding the right co-founder, especially in a technical role, is often a journey of alignment in vision and values. When Kate and I first crossed paths, it wasn't just our mutual love for photography that connected us—it was an alignment in how we envisioned the industry's future.

She brought a unique blend of technical proficiency and an artist's eye, which are indispensable qualities in a CTO. For aspiring founders, I would advise seeking individuals who bring the necessary skills and share a deep, mutual understanding of your mission. It's about finding someone who sees the company as a job and an extension of their aspirations. Working alongside someone who invests themselves fully in your shared goals transforms the startup journey from a daunting task into an exhilarating venture.

David Zhang, CEO, Kate Backdrops

Network at Tech Events

I was lucky because my co-founder was someone I knew from university who had studied a different program, but we were friends back then and had similar goals and values. Many startups actually get founded this way, based on social relationships.

If you're not so lucky, then you need to create your own luck and find someone with the right technical skills who is interested in a new company such as yours. Go to events where tech workers tend to hang out, such as hackathons, and network and pitch your business.

Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun

Partner With Colleagues

I met my co-founder during our jobs as employees. We shared the same vision towards mobile and emerging technologies, so we got into a partnership.

Sudeep Bhatnagar, CEO, Agicent Technologies

Prioritize Shared Values

Finding a technical co-founder is like searching for a life partner—rushing into it can lead to disaster. When starting my website-development agency, I prioritized shared values and vision over just technical expertise. 

I connected with my technical partner through local tech meetups. These in-person interactions revealed not only their coding skills but also their problem-solving approach and business mindset. We spent three months collaborating on small projects before formalizing our partnership. 

One effective strategy was building a minimal prototype first. This demonstrated my commitment and business understanding, making it easier to attract technical talent who saw beyond just the idea. 

Remember, a great CTO isn't just about coding skills. Look for someone who understands business goals, communicates clearly, and shares your long-term vision. Technical skills can grow, but aligned values create lasting partnerships.

Harmanjit Singh, Founder and CEO, Origin Web Studios

Use Personal Networks

When I was looking for a co-founder/CTO for Theme Park Brochures, I didn't take the traditional route of job postings or co-founder matching sites. Instead, I leaned on my network. I'd been attending a lot of local meetups and industry events, and that's where I crossed paths with Taylor, who was deep into developing tech solutions for the tourism sector.

What stood out to me was that Taylor wasn't just a brilliant coder; he also had a real passion for theme parks. That mix of skill and personal interest was a game-changer. We started talking about some ideas, and before long, we were brainstorming ways to revolutionize the theme-park experience. I think the best partnerships happen when you find someone who not only complements your skills but also shares your excitement for the project.

Rhett Crites, Founder, Theme Park Brochures

Align Visions and Skills

Finding the right co-founder/CTO as a non-technical founder is about aligning visions and complementing skills. When I started Ankord Labs, I needed someone who could translate ambitious ideas into scalable technology. I looked for partners who not only had a robust technical background but also shared my passion for impactful design and innovation.

I approached this search through my network in Silicon Valley, leveraging connections with people who understood both technology and the commitment necessary in a startup. This led to collaboration with technically adept individuals who could drive the tech side while I focused on strategic branding.

One key success we had was in recruiting a CTO who saw the value not just in coding but in storytelling through technology—as seen in our work with Ankord Media's web and product design projects. We prioritized candidates who were excited about our mission to create transformative experiences, which helped us maintain our unique blend of aesthetic and tech innovation.

Milan Kordestani, CEO, Ankord Media

Find Value-Aligned Tech Professionals

When I was on the hunt for a co-founder/CTO for my online advertising sales and service agency, I prioritized finding someone who shared my values and could integrate seamlessly into our vision. In Malibu and Agoura Hills, building relationships has always been key, and this naturally led me to a pool of talented individuals who appreciated the balance between robust technical capability and market-savvy business strategies.

I actively sought out tech professionals who were enthusiastic about creating dynamic SEO solutions for businesses and who brought expertise in crucial areas like post-Penguin SEO, local search optimization, and social media integration. One of our successful collaborations came from a candidate who was intrigued by our user-friendly SEO plugins and had experience with creating mobile-friendly designs—a facet crucial in today's tech landscape where up to 50% of traffic is mobile.

A real turning point was when we crafted a no-contract policy based on the confident trust in our services, which came from our CTO's innovative approach to quality link-building and simple user experience. This bold move not only attracted clients but also resonated with the ethos we had. This blend of technical excellence and strategic mindset allowed us to build lasting partnerships, reflecting my philosophy on the "transfer of enthusiasm" in any business endeavor.

‍Neal Stein, President, Net Success USA