What I learn is that don't force yourself to hire someone just because solo founder doesn't have a good reputation. As others have stated focus on your product

What I learn is that don't force yourself to hire someone just because solo founder doesn't have a good reputation. As others have stated focus on your product and growth. Nothing matters as long as you have growth (PG's startup = growth). At the same time don't hesitate to give a good chunk of equity if you find someone who you think will be essential to your company. Don't forget that you want to have a small chunk of big pie than having a big chunk of essentially nothing.