Buy one. Get a free one. It doesn't matter if it's pretty, just get one to get started. Use 99designs.com and crowdsource it. Best of luck in your endeavor.

Buy one. Get a free one. It doesn't matter if it's pretty, just get one to get started. Use 99designs.com and crowdsource it. Best of luck in your endeavor. But the #1 skill that you need to launch a startup is resourcefulness. If you're having trouble doing the most basic of tasks (finding a layout for your site), then you may want to look for a cofounder with some complementary skills, so that you don't have to reach for the basics. Whether you go solo or in pairs, you should try working at the skill of being resourceful. Take this as your first test: how quickly/cheaply can you get a skeleton site up?