I really enjoyed this answer and would love to know more details, however I can understand why you are leaving out some of the details and posting from a throwaway account. I'm personally most interested in the idea for the new startup and that talent in the team that helped you make the decision to walk from the employer. Is there any way I could ask you a few questions? You can contact me since that is a throwaway account unless you have better things to do. ;-)
Well we may end up ditching our idea after some initial customer feedback so the idea itself isn't too important.
The team is definitely the most important. I've been looking for the last year. The advice has been oft repeated but here is my top criteria:
- Get people who can, at the end of the day, do everything.
- Get people who are better than you at something or multiple things (for example, coding, sales)
- Get people who are awesome at as many things as possible.
- Make sure your values and your expectations are in alignment about the endeavor. If one person expects VC funding and good pay to support a family and the other wants to go into ramen profitable mode it'll be tough.
- Make sure they are not pansies. Some people who have succeeded all their lives will give up at the first sign of trouble for 'easier pastures'. As best you can, try to find people who have grit and determination.
- If you're not sure, pass. Its alot cheaper to make the right decision than to have to divorce later.
