Startup fromScratch
Jim Hoskins and Nick Pettit
Startup fromScratch
Done21 became an LLCa month ago, but we’vebeen operating sincearound July 2008.
Startup fromScratch
Since we started, we’ve learned a few things…
Startup fromScratch
1. Find a partner• Partners keep you motivated.
• Designers, find a great developer.
• Developers, find a great designer.
• Look for synergy. This might take time.
Startup fromScratch
2. Talk to your partner• Chat is nice. Logged chat is better.
• Have a way to post stuff. Not email.
• Disagree on things.
Startup fromScratch
3. Make time for stuff• Time won’t find you. So look for it.
• Sacrifice some of your fun time. If this isn’t fun to you, then why do it?
• Find a rhythm. Be predictable.
Startup fromScratch
4. Get yourself out there• This is what we’re doing right now.
• Get on every FaceSpace you can.
• Get out and meet people in person.
Startup fromScratch
5. Contribute something• Write a company blog.
• Give back to the community.
Startup fromScratch
6. Focus• Work on one big project at a time.
• Just release. It will never be Done.
• Set a deadline. Maybe say… FOWA.
Startup fromScratch
7. Be a little shameless• Today we launch our 1st big product.
• Say hello to Belongs to Me.
Startup fromScratch
8. Use good tools• We use Macs, TextMate, Git, Rails
• Make deployment one step.
• Use the right tools. If you don’t need all of Rails, try Radiant CMS or Sinatra.
Startup fromScratch
9. Funds• Don’t take money. Don’t use money.
• Split it 50/50.
• Have a business model.
Startup fromScratch
10. Legal stuff• LLCs are low maintenance.
• Get a business bank account.
• Be honest with your day job boss.
Visit us:
Done21.com