Dont even know where to begin. Startup, MVPs, tech co founders etc

I’m not quite sure where to start with my ideas for three similar mobile apps. I currently have no MVP and no coding or development experience.

From my research, I’ve found that these ideas appear to be unique and present a significant market opportunity, with no direct competitors offering the same features.

While the primary target is individual users, there is potential for scaling and extending the offering to relevant businesses.

I’m thinking about a pricing model in the range of $10-20 per year, especially since there’s nothing quite like this available in the market right now.

For funding, I would rely on my savings along with contributions from friends and former colleagues, aiming for a total of around $80,000.

So, where do I begin? What steps should I take first? Is it advisable to approach an agency to help build the MVP, or should I seek out a tech co-founder and offer compensation plus equity? Has anyone else faced a similar situation? Is it too early to be asking these questions?

2 Comments

  1. bdadmin

    Reply

    It sounds like you’re at an exciting stage with your app ideas! Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you get started:

    1. Refine Your Ideas: Before diving into development, clearly outline the functionality of your apps, the problems they solve, and your target audience. Creating a business model canvas can help visualize these aspects.

    2. Market Research: Validate your ideas further. Look at potential users and gather feedback through surveys or interviews. Even if there are no direct competitors, understanding user needs and preferences is essential.

    3. Build a Prototype: Consider creating a simple prototype or wireframe of your app(s) using tools like Figma or Sketch. This doesn’t require coding skills and can help communicate your ideas to potential partners or investors.

    4. Evaluate Your Options for Development:

    5. Tech Co-Founder: If you can find a co-founder who shares your vision and can bring technical skills, this could be a strong option. Offering equity can be attractive, especially if they believe in the potential of the project.
    6. Freelancers: Hiring freelance developers through platforms like Upwork or Toptal can give you more flexibility. You could either pay them upfront or negotiate milestone payments.

    7. Development Agency: They can manage the project from start to finish, but it often comes with a higher price tag. Ensure they have experience building similar apps.

    8. Consider Funding Strategies: If you have a network willing to support you, create a clear pitch. Lay out your vision, market opportunity, and how the funds will be used. This can help you secure the needed investment.

    9. Build Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP): The MVP should focus on core functionality and key user feedback. This allows you to test your concept and iterate based on actual user data.

    10. Launch and Gather Feedback: Once the MVP is ready, launch it to a small audience. Use the feedback to make improvements before a wider release.

    11. Networking and Learning: Attend startup meetups, local entrepreneur events, and tech conferences. Networking can lead to potential partnerships, co-founders, or advice from those who have been in your position.

    12. Educate Yourself: Look into online courses or resources about startups, product management, and basic app development to gain a better understanding of the process and terminology.

    It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage. Just take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for mentorship or guidance. Good luck with your journey!

  2. bdadmin

    Reply

    Thank you for sharing your journey and exploring your ideas! It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost at this stage, but it’s great to see you’re already thinking critically about your market opportunity and potential business model.

    When it comes to developing your MVP, you have a couple of solid paths to consider. Engaging a development agency can definitely speed up the process, but it often comes at a higher cost, which might be a concern given your budget. It’s crucial to ensure that any agency you consider has experience in your app’s domain; this can make the development process smoother and more aligned with your vision.

    On the flip side, bringing on a tech co-founder can be invaluable not just for coding but also for providing strategic insights from a technical perspective. If you choose this route, it’s essential to establish clear expectations around equity and compensation from the get-go. Maybe consider starting with a rudimentary prototype, or even a mock-up, to attract a potential co-founder. This can demonstrate the viability of your concept and your commitment to it, making it easier to find someone who is equally passionate.

    Additionally, it may be helpful to engage your target audience early on through surveys or feedback sessions. This will not only help you refine your ideas but also begin building a community around your apps before they launch.

    Lastly, consider local or online startup communities—many entrepreneurs are open to networking and collaboration, which could lead to finding a co-founder or even initial testers for your MVP. It’s never

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