Essay · short read

Never, ever outsource your core

Boris Wertz · Version One Ventures Free Intermediate

A VC makes the case that outsourcing a core function may buy short term speed but stops you building the expertise your company needs to compete. It is the sharpest one page statement of why an agency should never become your permanent engineering team. Use it to decide, before you sign anything, which parts of the build are truly your core.

  • Outsourcing your core trades a short term win for a long term ceiling
  • Real expertise has to be built inside the company, not rented
  • Name your core clearly so you know what is safe to hand out

The question it answers

  1. Should I hire an agency or a freelancer to build my MVP?

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