Killer idea but no passion for its target vertical. Now what?
"Build your startup around something you know and love," is often-heard and valid.
But what if you have (or think you have) a truly novel product/tech idea in a space that you don't like?
Develop a tech prototype and try to sell it off?
Just forget about it?
Something else?
I've created 2 small web agencies in the past, and I'm working on a subscription based training platform, but this new idea would fit in something very different: a tech likely to be sold or licensed to players in a very specific yet very huge global vertical.
I wouldn't mind working on the tech side of this idea, as it would be totally different from what I do day to day.
It's just that I have zero interest in this thing's biz/strategy side, meet the industry players, ride the emotional roller coaster again, etc.
Looking for options while I decide whether or not to dig in and start building this thing on the side...
Hey! I once was in a similar situation - me and my partner had a killer idea, but weren't very passionate about the industry. We decided to proceed, he was responsible for the tech side, while I was covering business development. I quit after 10 months, even though the product had a great potential.
I think sometimes it's important to feel the middle ground - not to be too passionate about the idea (you end up marrying it, and wasting months/years even though it doesn't work), but also not having any negative feelings about it/market from the start.
If I was you, a tech guy, I'd probably develop a prototype and try sell it, if by that time you are still not into it. Another option is to find a trustworthy partner from that industry, who would cover stuff that you don't like and hopefully he/she will motivate you to keep on going ;) Good luck!
Thanks @NikUf. I'll probably play with the tech as a side project and to learn stuff. If it turns into anything useful I can revisit.
good decision I think ;)