Ask HN: Advise for technical solo founders trying to secure venture capital?
4 siva7 2 7/31/2025, 3:18:03 PM
Y Combinator and the "big names" usually won't found solos (unless you are a proven success in the startup scene) but only founder teams. What next best options do unknown solo founders have in the current vc scape without being forced to add some other founder?
* Are they going to have an interest in the business side? If not, they may ignore/be unaware of problems that are existential to the company.
* Will they have the capacity to deal with non-tech issues? Running a company, esp a fast growing company, is too much work for one person to handle.
* Can they attract other talent to work for them? If they're a solo, are they difficult to work with/for?
It'd be good to address some of these underlying issues, rather than check the box.
* As you mentioned, having previous success helps alleviate some of the concerns.
* If your product is growing very quickly, they may take the risk.
* Finding another potential cofounder organically as a pre-condition for funding. VCs will rarely force you to find a co-founder. That might actually introduce further friction into the team and risk the investment. The hope would be for you to find another person with whom you have good working relationships, which is the key. Even if they're also technically inclined, they can be trained to handle the other sides of the business. Generally speaking, it's easier to train a tech founder on sales/business skills, rather than vice-versa.
Personally, I'd recommend you continue building, but with the intent to find other folks who are also interested in the product/business. It'll be good for you whether you decide to get venture fund or not.