Let’s face it: tech entrepreneurs have no money, are a little crazy, and hardly have time for sleep. (Let alone a significant other).
Despite these flaws a few brave souls are ambitious enough to take on the challenge of dating these unique individuals. I sat down with my girlfriend who is an expert on the subject and after debating for an hour we came up with the five most important things to know before dating a tech entrepreneur.
Bootstrapping isn’t Meant to be Fun.
If you’re going to date an entrepreneur don’t be expecting lavish dinners every weekend. In fact, don’t expect many dates at all. Entrepreneurs are focused on keeping their idea alive at any cost. Running a new business isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not cheap.
Typically speaking, most entrepreneurs won’t see any amount of income for the first two years of business operation. Remember, if you are willing to care about the person when they become successful you have to be willing to settle for Ramen noodles for a few years before that happens.
Checking Twitter is Part of my Job.
You will never find a tech entrepreneur without their smartphone. It is the crux to the entire operation. Smartphones not only keep entrepreneurs in touch with customers, investors, and users; they also keep us organized, prepared, and well read on the latest news in the industry.
Be prepared to repeat yourself and jump around just to get the entrepreneur’s attention. It’s nothing personal if our nose is constantly in our phone, just another day at the office. If you’re going to date a tech entrepreneur you have to accept the fact that they will be checking their phone, a lot.
Expect Late Nights
The stress caused by the fast-paced tech industry often leaves entrepreneurs up all night. Imagine working on something for six months only to wake up one morning and find out someone else beat you to market.
The industry moves so quickly sometimes its difficult for even tech veterans to keep up. There is no time-clock to punch as a entrepreneur. There will be deadlines, middle of the night texts, and stages of insomnia.
Be patient and understanding. The entrepreneur experiences high amounts of stress and anxiety at different times throughout the various stages of their venture. Although they’d love to cuddle up and fall asleep with you every night, some nights require no sleep.
Sleeping is for middle management. (Image via cutedrop.com)
No, I’m not the next Mark Zuckerberg
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your tech entrepreneur is going to be the next Mark Zuckerberg. Chances are they aren’t trying to be the next Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, or even Bill Gates. Entrepreneurs want to change the status quo and leave an important impact on our world. Although every entrepreneur has different motives, it’s generally not about the fame or money.
Entrepreneurs love what they do and want to spread innovation while enjoying the freedom of running their own business. If you’re thinking about dating an entrepreneur remember to not compare them to the superstars in the industry, but instead love them for the dynamic innovator they are.
A. I would never call you Bitch. B. CEO doesn’t mean anything … for a while
Give Me Time
Despite how much tech entrepreneurs love their smartphones, laptops, and gadgets; they are indeed human and have a need for a loving relationship. If you’re going to date a tech entrepreneur you need to be understanding, patient, and caring. In return they will provide you with compassion, loyalty, and honesty.
Bear with them through the bootstrapping stages, it’ll be worth it when they go public, with you right by their side.
View Comments (22)
Or alternatively, Five Things To Tell Your (Ex-) Wife Before Becoming A Tech Entrepreneur... etc.
All too true.
you automatically assumed the tech entrepreneur is a male...just sayin.
@JeffreyRomano:twitterÂ
I am suffering the effects of dating a tech entrepreneur but i wouldn't change him for the world. Although i have threatened to flush his smartphone down the toilet several times. I have fallen asleep during his talking at me stages and spent many a night alone till 2 am. I know its what he wants so i get on with it. My job is hectic too. He knows without me it wouldn't be easy and that's the important thing. We support each other. Plus we still do have fun outings togetehr we make time .
I agree Laura! Support is key. The important thing is to make time for one another and learn to balance work, friendships, and relationships.
Ha, this is great! Â Nice one, Andrew.
Hey Andrew,
I've included your post in today's Posthuman newsletter because I'm certain that my readers would get a kick out of this advice seeing as most of them are entrepreneurs building apps for startups of their own --> http://t.co/QQiziS5F. Also, thank you for including that last one!  I don't think enough entrepreneurs are intent on building relatively modest size companies that can sustain themselves.  My dream is to have a small working startup with 50-100 employees where we can all get along like family.  I think being able to support a group of people like that would be more thrilling than being featured on techcrunch every day lol.Keep up the great work man.
Dan,
Thanks! I subscribed to your newsletter as well. Love the blog!Â
Spot on.
@JeffreyRomano:disqus is right.. there should be a disclaimer that this is a male's perspective. As a woman it's even worse... ME: I have to build this company and do the dishes. LOLOL
It helps if you have already been dating this person before you start the company - so you include them in the inception of the idea. It's important to know if you're dating a 9-5 type person. If you are and can appreciate the steady income...cool. But they might have a hard time understanding how manic it will get for you and how your idea might pivot a bit. The key is just finding someone who truly believes in you... it won't matter what your idea because you'll have many. :)
I've been with the same person for 10 years and 5 of those have been building a company. It's exciting to know that he'll be around to see where this ends up going, but he has made the journey so much more fun. :) And no, that's not because he placates me... he is the only person who tells me when an idea is really, really bad. LOLOL
@twitter-10268302:disqus I agree! Trust me this was not written with the intention of giving only a male perspective and I apologize if it came off that way.Â
I've been with my girlfriend for over 8 months now and she has been with me throughout the entire entrepreneurial experience (filled with ups and downs). I agree it definitely helps if you have been dating the person before you start your venture.Â
Andrew, you will be sad to know that your "Twitter - Facebook" links above are linked wrong.. :( Â
Nice job on the post.
@twitter-46555393:disqus Thanks! I'll have to take a look at that. Follow me on Twitter: @torbahax:disqusÂ
Most point is fitting with mine. Wanna say "pity Tech guys". And i wish that these "5 tips" aren't gonna be reached girls. :D
GREAT article! thank you!Â
I have recently started my own little Geeklove blog and published a response to your inspiring work. Have a look:Â http://trulygeek.tumblr.com/Â
@twitter-428538007:disqus I love it! Great job!
Thank you!!! :)
I just read this and as someone who is part of a start-up digital marketing venture, I have to say I an relate to being the person in question! Oops! Really good read.