5 Questions Before You Code: Smart Strategies to Evaluate Startup Opportunities as a Technical Co-Founder

Do you want to be a tech co-founder? You're in high demand, so you have lots of options. But how do you know if a startup is the right fit? How do you de-risk your commitment before joining a new team?

​Join us at Philly Tech Week for an interactive 90-minute workshop designed to help technical talent assess startup opportunities. You will walk away with a practical framework for evaluating non-technical founders, assessing startup viability, and determining if this business aligns with your skills and goals.

​In this session, you’ll learn:

• ​The 5 questions you must ask of business folks looking to partner with you
• ​How to avoid the “build my idea for free” trap
• ​The different roles a tech leader can play - and which fits you best
• ​The soft skills that matter as much as technical expertise

​If you’re considering joining a startup, this workshop will help you make informed decisions and set yourself up for success. Come ready to learn, discuss, and challenge your assumptions about what it means to be a technical startup leader.

​Your Workshop Leaders:

​Lindsay Tabas is a product strategist and the founder of LearnProductMarketFit.com, helping software developers expand their impact beyond code. An engineer herself, she teaches technical talent how to design products people want, solve real problems, and communicate value effectively.

​In addition to working with technical talent, she performs due diligence for pre-seed and seed investors and serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Techstars and Columbia Ventures. Lindsay also hosts the Make Sense podcast and answers questions on YouTube, earning recognition as Technical.ly’s 2024 Creator of the Year in Philadelphia.

​Arielle Lechner is an executive coach and founder of NewPo, helping leaders challenge the status quo and unlock new opportunities. With a decade of go-to-market leadership at B2B SaaS and Web3 startups, she knows what drives successful products, strategies, and teams. Arielle has coached leaders from Google, GitHub, and Coda and worked with clients through high-stakes moments like fundraising, scaling, acquisitions, and launching new ventures.

​This session goes beyond a typical talk❕

​It’s an interactive experience featuring real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and candid discussions that will leave you with a practical checklist for evaluating startup opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned developer exploring new challenges or an aspiring technical co-founder, you'll gain smart strategies and actionable insights to confidently navigate the startup world.

​Prepare to challenge your assumptions, expand your network, and gain the clarity needed to make informed decisions—all in a dynamic, supportive environment led by Lindsay Tabas and Arielle Lechner.

​Questions: Email Lindsay at hi@lindsayt.com with any questions & clarifications.

​Location: More detailed instructions will be provided after registration.