(1) - does your dream product have a novel take on the space / differentiates itself in some way (UX for instance - UX is a powerful differentiator (hipmunk

(1) - does your dream product have a novel take on the space / differentiates itself in some way (UX for instance - UX is a powerful differentiator (hipmunk is an example)? If so, Don't let existing competition scare you. If not, don't start the company! Also, regarding MVP/Selling: Make a simple webpage for your product in launch-rock style. Just advertising. No actual product. Tell people exactly what the product is, and the benefits. Have some screenshots made by a designer friend. Set up analytics: measure incoming # users, and have a place for them to put an email. Then post this everywhere on the internet! Are people excited? How many people visit? If people visit, this validates your concept, and if people sign up to learn more - don't worry, you can sell eventually find a way to sell your product. There is demand. (2) Don't worry about this at all. After you do stuff in Step (1), find a better developer. If you are to run your startup, being a programmer really helps, but you won't be doing it for long. (3) This is an important thing to fix. Are there local meet-ups for programmers / university clubs for geeks? After Step (1) you'd have a validated idea, so perhaps you can move to a more start-up friendly place if you can't find a local group in your hometown. Since there is a software company, there's gotta be more startup minded people in the closet! (4) It doesn't have to be a career break. You should put your startup on your CV. The funny thing is, a lot of 'established companies' in the developing work are actually doing back office work for American startups. I understand that you run into cultural issues and this is hard. I guess this is part of the risk you'd have to take. You'll eventually find a new job.