I've been a CTO for several startups now, and currently am a Technical Advisor for a couple of startups. The best "non-technical" cofounders I've met are relentless negotiators and have that magic ability to sell. They can squeeze orange juice from a rock if needed.
That sort of people's skills is what differentiates a technical from a business person. I've been amazed by some of these guys and how they are able to get great terms from VCs, providers, customers and other parties.
When you are the technical guy, you want to make sure that your non-technical cofonuder knows plenty of negotiation jujitsu so that while you are working on the machine, he has all the bases covered getting money, selling the idea and getting other great people into the company.
One of my CEOs put it pretty bluntly: When you are starting and are just 2 or 3 people, there are only two roles: BUILD SHIT, and SELL SHIT. You necessarily need at least one person who knows very well how to do that.
Also, the CEO never stops Selling shit. He may not sell to customers, but he will keep selling to investors, government agencies, prospective employees or advisors, etc.
That sort of people's skills is what differentiates a technical from a business person. I've been amazed by some of these guys and how they are able to get great terms from VCs, providers, customers and other parties.
When you are the technical guy, you want to make sure that your non-technical cofonuder knows plenty of negotiation jujitsu so that while you are working on the machine, he has all the bases covered getting money, selling the idea and getting other great people into the company.
One of my CEOs put it pretty bluntly: When you are starting and are just 2 or 3 people, there are only two roles: BUILD SHIT, and SELL SHIT. You necessarily need at least one person who knows very well how to do that.
Also, the CEO never stops Selling shit. He may not sell to customers, but he will keep selling to investors, government agencies, prospective employees or advisors, etc.