Tech for Non-Techies 265. From vodka shots to Y Combinator: how a non-technical founder built a global tech company
If you’re a non-technical founder building your first product, this episode is for you.
In today’s lesson, Robyn Exton shares the real story of how she went from branding agency employee to founder of a global tech company — without writing a line of code.
She didn’t raise millions on day one. She learned by doing, made all the early-stage mistakes, and got her first users with vodka shots in nightclubs.
Now, her app has millions of users and she’s been through Y Combinator.
Robyn is the founder of HER, the dating app for queer women.
Listen to this episode to learn:
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How to build a tech product without knowing how to code
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What to do when your first version fails
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The difference between product design and graphic design (and why it matters)
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How to work with developers when you don’t speak tech
Whether you’re dreaming up your first MVP or struggling through version two, this is your honest guide to building in the dark — and making it work.
Chapters
00:00 — Vodka shots for downloads: the hustle begins
03:10 — From branding job to building a tech product
10:30 — The wake-up call: “You’re doing too many things”
14:00 — Fake research, failed MVP, and what she learned
27:20 — How a non-technical founder led a dev team
33:45 — Hiring a CTO, letting go of ego, and building trust
45:35 — Raising $1M before YC — and why she joined anyway
51:10 — Final audience Q&A: churn, product, and user feedback
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For the full transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/265-from-vodka-shots-to-y-combinator-how-a-non-technical-founder-built-a-global-tech-company