We were well funded, but lacked focus... lesson learned: it's hard to realize when you're lacking focus, it comes in many different forms. Don't start a business or hire anyone until you have a focused idea, that has traction in the market... Software is easy, ideas are easy. Having traction in your software, having something that multiple people desire because it makes their life easier, saves them money is not easy. Don't get caught up in the details of what life might be like under successful conditions. Know that you need to cover the basics and to that end you need to probably cut most of your ideas. Yes, you can crank out software, but it's how you reduce your software down, how you make it simpler that is really hard. Writing lots of code is easy, but making it simple is hard. Making it simple will give you a better shot at making it understood and possibly a success... Oh, make sure you recognize the barriers to entry also. We created widget software at one point and it's hard to get people to install your code, even when it's a simple copy/paste - not impossible, but it's a barrier. Also, consider the costs when you start pricing... You must make money above all else, always ask yourself if you would pay to gain the value that is your software... /endrant