Where to find partners for side-/bootstrapped projects?
Is there a resource out there for technical people to post ideas/projects/skills/passions and peruse the same for others looking to work on side projects while we keep our day jobs?
I'm not looking to pitch a VC or angel investor with a idea and a deck. I want to work on side projects that may become bootstrapped, self-sustaining businesses that earn income on the side and (maybe eventually) become a full-time job.
Ideally I'd like to work with people face to face. Live interaction, pair programming (gasp), etc; remote collaborations don't interest me as much.
Is there a good resource out there that would help me find like-minded people in my area (NYC)?
Published in 2010, this chronicle by @jalopy details the mechanics of building a profitable, self-funded business without venture backing.
The community focused on B2B customer acquisition channels, cold email vs SEO distribution, and balancing full-time employment with side-project development.
A few resources immediately come to mind:
1) http://www.meetup.com
2) Local co-working spaces
3) http://www.hackernewsers.com
As for a website focused on your problem specifically -- namely, working on side projects with like-minded individuals who also have day jobs -- I know of none. But, like phamilton, I currently have a few go-to people. While I am weary of working with people I've never met, I am optimistic enough to to hope that such a thing is possible, if done in the right way.
I think every aspiring entrepreneur likes side and bootstrapped projects. Meet-ups have all types of people.
I've got one or two go-to guys I've met over the years. Whenever I feel like I want a new side project, I give one of them a call. We shoot the breeze a bit, and usually by the end of a 20 minute conversation we come across something intriguing. Often, it's a simple proof of concept we want to develop. A technique of social marketing, or a simple web app. Nothing has really taken off yet, but we're patient and have fun trying these random projects.
I live in the nyc area. I have a background in web development and like talking to people about projects. To the best of my knowledge there isnt a site like this although ive brainstormed similiar ideas a number of times. However i lacked the resources and time to develop them. Id be interested in chatting with you about whatever ideas you might have. What is a contact for you?
I'm building this with a community that meets in SF. It's still at an early phase but now would be a great time to give some feedback. I definitely want to cater to the NYC scene as well, so you can be our #1 there.
Leave your email here if you're interested.
http://startable.net/