# How Non-Tech Founders Can Successfully Work with Developers
Many entrepreneurs with great ideas lack a technical background—but that shouldn’t stop them from bringing their vision to life. They often see how technology can solve a problem but worry about working with developers since they don’t understand coding.
Take Thomas Foster, for example, who launched **Attender** after years in the hospitality industry. Or Jackie and Josh DeNutte, who created **Spark** to improve their date nights after realizing others had the same challenge. A common concern among such founders is figuring out how to collaborate with developers effectively.
## Understanding the Developer’s Language
For many non-tech founders, listening to developers explain their work can feel like hearing an unfamiliar language. This sentiment is humorously illustrated in a **Neil Gaiman anecdote** about trying to understand his son’s work in programming:
> “I’d ask him what he does, and he’d say, ‘Right now, I’m working on whah, whah, whah, whah, whah.’”
> “I don’t think I got that.”
> “You understand that Python is a programming language?”
> “Yes, I got that.”
> “Well, whah, whah, whah, whah, whah.”
This confusion is common, but non-tech founders must persist through the learning curve to keep up and make informed decisions.
## Asking the Right Questions
While you don’t need to become a coding expert, learning **how to evaluate developers** will help you find the right partner to bring your app idea to life. Here are key questions to ask when choosing a development team:
### 1. **What’s Your Experience?**
Just as you’d review a candidate’s CV for a job, you should check a development company’s portfolio. Looking at their past projects helps you determine:
– If they’ve built products similar to yours
– Whether their work aligns with the quality and functionality you expect
Finding a team with relevant experience can help you avoid common pitfalls and speed up development.
### 2. **What Makes You Different?**
A good developer stays ahead of tech trends and can work efficiently across various industries. Ask what sets them apart—perhaps they specialize in Android and iOS, have expertise in **VR development**, or excel at integrating **AI-based solutions**.
Each development company has unique strengths, whether it’s their **agile process, specialized knowledge, investor connections, or industry focus**. Understanding these differentiators helps you choose the best fit.
### 3. **How Will You Protect My Idea?**
Intellectual property (IP) protection is a top concern for many founders. Before sharing sensitive details, ensure that:
– The developers you’re working with **sign NDAs** (Non-Disclosure Agreements)
– You **retain ownership of the code** in your contract
– The company isn’t working with a competitor
Some developers may propose buying your idea or offering discounts for shared ownership—this can limit your control. Be clear about your IP expectations from the start.
### 4. **How Can We Maximize My App’s Potential?**
Apps must evolve to stay competitive. Ask developers how they keep up with industry changes and whether they have **contacts** who can help you gain insights into new technologies.
Also, a development company that supports you **beyond the app launch**—by offering assistance with **fundraising, scaling, or marketing**—can be a valuable long-term partner.
### 5. **How Will Complexity Affect Costs?**
Building an app can be expensive, and complexity plays a significant role in determining costs. When discussing pricing, also ask:
– What features are **essential** vs. **nice-to-have**?
– How different approaches impact pricing and timelines?
– What trade-offs exist between **design, functionality, and budget**?
Since no app has just one way to be built, understanding different options will help you make more strategic decisions.
## Preparing for Development Discussions
Developers are skilled at bringing ideas to life but aren’t mind readers. Before meeting with them, come prepared with:
– Your **prototype or wireframe**
– Examples of **features and app designs** you like
– References to **industry competitors**
– Preferred **color schemes, fonts, and branding elements**
The more specific you are, the easier it is for developers to provide **accurate timelines and cost estimates**.
## The Key to Success: Communication
Rather than learning to code, **the best non-tech founders master communicating with developers**. They know how to convey their vision, ask the right questions, and evaluate the expertise of potential tech partners.
If you don’t understand something, ask! How developers explain concepts and respond to your concerns will reveal their professionalism and working
