Ask HN: Alternative ways to partner with a software consultancy company
My idea is to slowly build a data science consulting firm, leaving my full time job to focus on it. Some days ago I've talked with a colleague who already has a traditional software company and he told me he'd like for me to start a data science vertical on his company, but that we'd need to think how to work together.
The company has 25 employees and does traditional software engineering. I've been thinking about some alternative ways to partner with them but I'm not sure if they're nonsense or not:
- Partner up with them, get a percentage of the company. I don't know if asking for this would be realistic, they've been growing the company for several years. But on the other side, I think that if we get this vertical right, the upside could outgrow their current offerings. What do you think? Is asking for something like the 20% of the company totally out of place?
- Start working with them as a "data science director" or something and getting a monthly paycheck as an employee. But if after a year we accomplish some previously defined goals, I'll become a partner with a percentage of the company. Makes sense?
- Help them start the vertical as a consultant: train some people, help them in the initial meetings with clients and then leave.
What do you think? Is there another alternative way? Do you have a similar experience to share? What would you suggest if you were in my place?