What Founders Really Mean When They Say “We Need a Great Developer”
I often hear this request:
“We have development issues. Can you help us find a great developer?”
Whenever that happens, I ask two simple questions.
First:
“What does ‘great’ mean to you?”
Second:
“Are you building something like Windows or macOS?”
Most founders smile and shake their heads at the second question.
And that’s the point.
“Great” Usually Doesn’t Mean “Top 1% Engineer”
In most startups, when founders say “great developer,”
they’re not talking about a legendary engineer with world-class algorithms.
What they really want is someone who:
- Doesn’t create unnecessary problems
- Understands context without endless explanations
- Gets things done quietly and reliably
- Works with the team, not above it
In other words,
they’re looking for someone who makes the team work better, not just code faster.
Most Startups Aren’t Building Operating Systems
Let’s be honest.
Most startups aren’t inventing brand-new computer science.
They’re building:
- Products based on existing stacks
- Services where speed, clarity, and alignment matter more than brilliance
- Systems where execution beats perfection
In that environment,
extreme individual skill matters less than collective progress.
Skill Matters — But Chemistry Matters More
Of course, baseline technical competence is essential.
But what determines success in a startup is often:
- How well a developer handles ambiguity
- How they communicate unfinished thoughts
- How they sync with founders, designers, and teammates
Founders don’t just need someone who writes good code.
They need someone who shares responsibility for uncertainty.
My Definition of a “Great Developer”
A great developer isn’t defined by:
- Their resume
- Their GitHub stars
- Or how complex their code looks
A great developer is someone who:
Helps the team move forward, even when things are unclear.
In startups,
the right person beats the perfect skillset.