Episode 15: Finding your Technical Cofounder

Tech Uncensored - An Altitude Accelerator Podcast

Entrepreneurs have big ideas. They have a vision for how they want to change the world. They’ve validated their idea and want to get started in bringing this to fruition. They need someone who can, not only build this for them, but someone who is willing to become a significant member of the team to help in its growth and commit to the long term.

Finding the right technical cofounder goes beyond the skills necessary to build a great product. There are many other soft-skills required; there are expectations to be managed.

In this environment where demand for developers means developers, and especially CTOs can command higher compensation, finding the right person to help you lead in this endeavour can be a daunting process. As a founder, your job is not only to find ones that are skilled enough to do the task, but also being able to determine cultural fit, alignment on vision and growth and being able to sell these things as opportunities in absence of the higher compensation they are used to receiving.

How do you go about doing this? What are the things you should consider in qualifying your cofounder? How do you engage with the right one and manage their expectations? What does this new cofounder marriage look like to ensure a sustainable relationship for the company?

We were privileged to speak with Glenn Nishimura, Principal and Chief People Strategist at Nishimura Consulting, based in Toronto, Canada. As an experienced advisor, consultant, and mentor, he helps early and growth stage startups and scaleups across North America, Asia, and Europe to build and optimize their teams, culture, and people operations.

Glenn provided clarity in finding the right technical cofounder to help a founder build a successful business.