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A lot of times you can validate whether a market exists without writing any code. You can engage in communities that would use your potential product and see if

A lot of times you can validate whether a market exists without writing any code. You can engage in communities that would use your potential product and see if there are problems there that exist for a decent number of people. Once you're convinced and ready to start building I think you just have to quit like you're saying. I did exactly that about 6 months ago because I had the exact same type of contract (despite what other folks are saying, they're EXTREMELY common, pretty sure all FAANG has them). Good luck!!

gnicholas 4y ago
> you can validate whether a market exists without writing any code This is true, but it's possible that even this act could indicate that the founder has developed valuable IP that his employer could claim. It would seem ridiculous to think that even just having an idea could make it assignable to your employer, despite not having actually written any of the code. However, there are some circumstances where it could seem reasonable. For example, if you work in Industry X and come up with an idea related to Industry X and your employer's specific niche in that industry, it seems less unreasonable that your employer would care if you struck out on your own and started a startup in that niche. They would argue that your knowledge of that niche derived from your work as an employee, and they would try to tie your creation to proprietary information that you were privy to as an employee. This isn't to say they would win — but they could cause you quite a headache if you built a successful company. FWIW, IIAL and have seen folks argue over less!
eps 4y ago
Careful with this approach. Some communities are too nice, so what they say will be biased and inaccurate. Especially the most vital question of whether they will be willing to pay for it. The need might be real, your solution might be an excellent fit and it would clearly save the target audience a headache or two. And the audience would agree. They will like what you do, they will want to be supportive and encouraging. Up until the point they need to start using it. And then they all will ghost you. Whoops.

gnicholas 4y ago

> you can validate whether a market exists without writing any code This is true, but it's possible that even this act could indicate that the founder has developed valuable IP that his employer could claim. It would seem ridiculous to think that even just having an idea could make it assignable to your employer, despite not having actually written any of the code. However, there are some circumstances where it could seem reasonable. For example, if you work in Industry X and come up with an idea related to Industry X and your employer's specific niche in that industry, it seems less unreasonable that your employer would care if you struck out on your own and started a startup in that niche. They would argue that your knowledge of that niche derived from your work as an employee, and they would try to tie your creation to proprietary information that you were privy to as an employee. This isn't to say they would win — but they could cause you quite a headache if you built a successful company. FWIW, IIAL and have seen folks argue over less!

eps 4y ago

Careful with this approach. Some communities are too nice, so what they say will be biased and inaccurate. Especially the most vital question of whether they will be willing to pay for it. The need might be real, your solution might be an excellent fit and it would clearly save the target audience a headache or two. And the audience would agree. They will like what you do, they will want to be supportive and encouraging. Up until the point they need to start using it. And then they all will ghost you. Whoops.