How to Start a Software Company

Steps

1. 
   1
   Develop programming expertise. Obtain a degree in computer programming or get an entry-level job at a software company where you can train with a software development mentor.

1. 
   2
   Work for a software company in a management capacity. Strengthen your leadership and communication skills, and tune into the needs of end users and product marketing processes.
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   Generate a product idea. Develop an innovative product idea based on what you have learned and observed about the needs of end users. Once it becomes clear that a market exists for your product idea, consider starting your own software company.
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   Protect your product idea. Obtain the necessary patents and trademarks. Ask your team of collaborators, if applicable, to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
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   Create a business plan. Write a plan that describes the purpose of your business, product, branding approach, market audience, product competition, and financial needs and plans.
   • Become knowledgeable about licensing, taxes and insurance. Research the requirements of your jurisdiction for licensing, sales tax, income tax, liability insurance and other requirements. Consult an accountant or attorney, if necessary.
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   6
   Raise funds for your software company. Software development requires time and resources.
   • Explore venture capital funds. Contact venture capital firms to discuss the possibility of entering into an agreement.
   • Research grants and loans. Explore the availability of grants and loans for small businesses.
   • Find investors among relatives and friends. Discuss your software product idea with family and friends to explore the possibility of their investment in your business.
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   Purchase the necessary equipment and applications. Equip your development team with computers, programming applications, data storage capability, servers and all of the necessary tools for creating and distributing the software.
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   Hire developers. When hiring developers, look for candidates who have the required programming skills and the desire to work in a software start-up environment.
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   Develop your software product.
   • Create a development time line. Allot a reasonable amount of time to the development of your software product. A complicated data management system may take much longer to develop than a simple mobile phone application.
   • Oversee the development process. Facilitate clear communication between you and your development team to ensure that everyone is operating under the same product vision.
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   Test your software product after the development phase.
   • Establish a structured quality control and assurance process. This may involve a small team of developers testing each feature for smooth functioning on various operating systems, or bringing in new testers with fresh eyes to interact with the product.
   • Gather a team of beta testers. Allow a small and select team of end users to use your product to gauge its user-friendliness, effectiveness, accuracy and/or efficiency.
   • Fix all bugs and retest. Finalize your product by fixing all bugs and errors, and conducting a final test to ensure quality.
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    Market your product. Hire a marketing firm or experienced marketing professionals to work for your company. Consult with such professionals during the product development process to help shape decisions about product features, uses and market audience.

Source: WikiHow