Startup

1 Introduction & Problem Definition

Exploring Entrepreneurship: From AWS Engineer to Startup Founder

Having recently completed my MBA, I’m taking a fresh look at my final research project, especially in the context of startups and entrepreneurial ventures. Inspired by the Y Combinator model(Combinator) and the Indie Hackers podcast and blog(Indie Hackers), I’m keen to explore what it takes to create a viable product and examine the mindsets and theories that drive successful entrepreneurship. This journey will be both a test of my technical skills and an inquiry into the behaviors that enable founders to succeed.

My Goal: Building a Product-Based Venture

At the core of this project is the question of how my skills as an AWS engineer—built over ten years—combined with recent business insights from my MBA, can be channeled into a product-based startup. In this research, I’ll assess the skills and experiences I bring to the table, and the potential roadblocks along the way, all with an eye toward creating something that lasts.

Key Research Questions

  1. Primary Question: Can I successfully transition into entrepreneurship by leveraging my AWS skills in the development of a product? This question will shape my exploration, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with entrepreneurship in a highly technical field.

  2. Secondary Questions:

    • What personal behaviors might be hindering my success as an entrepreneur?
      • This dives into self-assessment, exploring how specific habits or mindsets may affect my ability to launch a successful product.
    • How relevant is the advice from successful entrepreneurs like those at Y Combinator to my journey?
      • By analyzing popular entrepreneurial advice, I’ll determine what applies to my path and what might need adapting.
    • Is product development the right move, or should I stay focused on my AWS engineering career?
      • Here, I’ll weigh the potential rewards and risks of shifting from a stable career to a more uncertain entrepreneurial route.

Defining the Challenge

Transitioning from a stable, established career in AWS engineering to a risky but potentially rewarding entrepreneurial venture is no small task. Despite a strong technical background, I’ve encountered challenges in launching previous projects, including software applications and video games. This study will delve into the underlying issues—such as personal decision-making, risk tolerance, and skills gaps—that may be limiting my entrepreneurial success.

Understanding the entrepreneurial landscape also involves learning from established firms like Y Combinator. Their strategies and success stories might offer critical insights, yet there’s uncertainty about how directly applicable their advice is to my experience and goals. Is it worth the leap, or am I better off staying the course in my current career?

Why This Matters

By investigating the intersection of my technical skills and the entrepreneurial mindset, this project aims to uncover how I can translate experience into a successful venture. For anyone on the edge of their own entrepreneurial journey, the findings could offer a roadmap to self-assessment, highlight common pitfalls, and reveal the strategies that can make—or break—an idea.

References

  1. Combinator, Y. Sam Altman - How to Succeed with a Startup. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lJKucu6HJc.
  2. Indie Hackers. Indie Hackers, 2023, https://www.indiehackers.com/.
  3. 12 Startups in 12 Months. Indie Hackers, https://www.indiehackers.com/group/12-startups-in-12-months.

Posts

References

  1. Combinator, Y. Sam Altman - How to Succeed with a Startup. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lJKucu6HJc.
  2. Indie Hackers. Indie Hackers, 2023, https://www.indiehackers.com/.
  3. 12 Startups in 12 Months. Indie Hackers, https://www.indiehackers.com/group/12-startups-in-12-months.

Posts