The Best Founders Aren't Always the Most Technical

"You're more technical than you think you are."

I told this to an entrepreneur I'm advising, and she looked genuinely surprised.

She doesn't have a CS degree. She's never written code. But after 15 years in her field, she speaks the language of complex systems, data analysis, and user behavior patterns better than many engineers I know.

Here's what I've learned about exceptional founders:

The best ones aren't always the most technical in the traditional sense. They're technical about their domain. They understand the nuances, the edge cases, the why behind every decision.

This founder has spent over a decade developing a process to solve a critical industry problem. She can explain complex data patterns, analytical frameworks, and user feedback loops with the precision of someone who's lived in the data.

When she shared what drives her, I understood why she'll succeed:

"I've always cheered for the underdogs because I've always felt like one too."

That's founder DNA. Someone who sees unfairness in their industry and refuses to accept "that's just how things are."

She's worked three jobs to fund her research. Moved across the country to be where the opportunities were. Paid for her own education and development because she believed in the vision when no one else did.

Technical skills can be learned. Domain expertise and unwavering commitment? That's irreplaceable.

The most successful founders I work with share this pattern: deep expertise in their field, combined with the grit to push through when everyone says it can't be done.

What drives the best founders you've worked with?

Originally posted on LinkedIn on June 25, 2025