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Ask Slashdot: How Should You Launch A Software Startup? (theguardian.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the starting-a-startup dept.

Slashdot reader ben-hnb is a developer who loves the idea of running a startup, or being one of the ones who got in early. But how exactly does he get there? I've got no "business" experience. Everyone seems to want to get on the startup incubator train -- the latest U.K. model I've seen, Launchpad, would even train (MA!) and support me financially for a year while developing the initial product. This just one in a long list of different models, from the famous Y-Combinator three-month model to the 500 Startups four-month seed program and simple co-working spaces with a bit of help, like Launch 22.

If you wanted to get a startup going, where would you go to first and why? Or would you just strike out in your bedroom/garage?
Leave your best answers in the comments. How would you launch a software startup?

3 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Write software after work by DogDude · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Keep a job. Write software after/before work.

    --
    I don't respond to AC's.
    1. Re:Write software after work by LifesABeach · · Score: 4, Insightful

      99% of all businesses fail in the first 24 months for one reason; no one knows your product exists. I would suggest some quiet time considering how to communicate the existence of your product to others.

  2. Re:You have to want to do it for the right reason by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I gotta admit, that caught my eye as well.

    "I love the idea of running a start-up." Not, "I have a great idea. How would I start a business around it?"

    There are lots of ideas that I love, too. I love the idea of being an astronaut. But considering I have issues with motion sickness and a fear of heights, I don't think I'd be a good one. But I love the idea.

    I love the idea of being in an early-stage start-up, mostly because I might get rich. So I was part of an early stage start-up and, frankly, slaved for more years than I should have with the occasional missed paycheck. Ended up going through a reasonable amount of my savings before I finally decided that enough was enough.

    Why are you interested in running or being part of an early stage start-up? If it's because you might get rich, you might want to think of some other options which will offer you a better chance of becoming rich.