I disagree. Having someone to go out and make deals OR report back that the market isn't there, to pitch to investors, or to form partnerships with other compa

I disagree. Having someone to go out and make deals OR report back that the market isn't there, to pitch to investors, or to form partnerships with other companies is invaluable. Many of the great companies I respect the most here in SF and SV succeeded in part because they had someone that filled this role (be they a founder or otherwise.)