You have a brilliant idea for a tech startup, but there’s just one problem: you are not a tech person. You’ve heard the buzz about blockchain, Web3, and the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), but you’re not quite sure where to start.

The good news? ICP is designed to be a user-friendly platform, and with a little guidance, you can bring your tech startup to life—even without coding expertise. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you, as a non-tech entrepreneur, can get started with ICP.

Understand the Basics of the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP)

Before jumping in, it's important to have a basic understanding of what the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) is and why it’s ideal for your startup.

The Internet Computer is a decentralized blockchain network created by the DFINITY Foundation. Unlike traditional platforms that rely on centralized cloud services (like AWS or Google Cloud), ICP runs entirely on decentralized nodes, enabling users to build websites, applications, and services on a fully decentralized internet. This makes it ideal for Web3 projects that prioritize security, scalability, and user control.

In short, ICP allows you to build scalable and secure applications without the need for complex cloud infrastructures or middlemen—perfect for tech startups aiming to disrupt industries in the Web3 space.

Refine Your Startup Idea for a Web3 World

If you’re serious about using ICP for your startup, it’s essential to align your business idea with the principles of decentralization. Ask yourself:

• Does your idea benefit from decentralization? For example, industries like finance, gaming, social media, and content creation thrive in a decentralized environment, giving users more control and privacy.
• How will your product be different from Web2 offerings? ICP is about creating truly decentralized, open internet services that aren’t controlled by a few tech giants.

This doesn’t mean you need to change your idea entirely, but refining it to fit the Web3 landscape can increase your chances of success.

Leverage No-Code and Low-Code Tools on ICP

Here’s the best part for non-tech entrepreneurs: you don’t need to code everything yourself. ICP offers a variety of no-code and low-code tools that allow you to build applications and services without deep technical skills.

Some platforms to explore include:

• Fleek: Fleek allows you to build websites and dApps (decentralized applications) on the Internet Computer without touching code. It integrates ICP’s decentralized hosting capabilities with simple, intuitive workflows.
• Tonic: If you’re building a decentralized finance (DeFi) project, Tonic is an easy-to-use tool for creating DeFi applications on the Internet Computer.
• ICNS (Internet Computer Name Service): You can use ICNS to manage domain names for your decentralized apps easily.

These platforms are designed to give you the ability to create and deploy projects without needing to understand the underlying code. As your startup grows, you can always bring in developers to help scale the technical side.

Join the ICP Developer and Entrepreneur Communities

Even if you’re not a tech expert, surrounding yourself with people who are can be your secret weapon. The ICP ecosystem is full of helpful communities where developers, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts collaborate and share resources.

• DFINITY Developer Forum: A great place to ask questions, get advice, and find tutorials.
• ICP Hub Communities: Many ICP hubs exist worldwide, connecting startups, developers, and innovators working on ICP-based projects.
• GitHub and Reddit: While you may not be a developer, keeping an eye on what’s happening in ICP’s GitHub or Reddit can give you insight into new features or updates.

These communities can help you learn the ropes, find talent, and connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

Collaborate with Technical Co-Founders or Freelancers

As you progress, you may find it beneficial to bring on a technical co-founder or Devs who are familiar with ICP. Look for someone who:

• Understand Web3 and blockchain: They should have experience with decentralized technologies and the specific tools within the ICP ecosystem.
• Can translate your vision into a product: A technical partner should not only have coding skills but also the ability to execute your business strategy through technology.

Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer are good places to find blockchain developers, or you can tap into ICP-specific networks for talent.

Learn the Basics of Smart Contracts and dApps

Even though you’re not a tech person, understanding the basics of smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps) can give you the knowledge you need to make better business decisions.

• Smart Contracts: On ICP, smart contracts are called “canisters.” These are self-executing contracts with predefined rules. Canisters handle everything from running your dApp to managing transactions. While you may not write these contracts yourself, understanding their role in your business is crucial.
• Decentralized Applications (dApps): dApps are what you’ll be building on ICP—decentralized versions of apps like Uber, Airbnb, or Facebook, but where users have more control and privacy. Knowing how dApps function will help you develop a strategy for user engagement, monetization, and scalability.

You don’t need to dive too deep into the technicalities, but a basic understanding of these concepts will help you communicate better with your team and navigate the Web3 landscape.

Test and Launch Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Once your startup’s idea has been developed and refined, and your team or tools are in place, it’s time to create an MVP. The Internet Computer’s decentralized nature makes it easier to launch and test without the need for massive infrastructure.

• Build your dApp or service using the tools at your disposal (like Fleek or by collaborating with developers).
• Test your MVP with a small user group, collecting feedback to refine the product.
• Launch the MVP publicly once you’re satisfied with its functionality.

The advantage of launching on ICP is that you’re building within a decentralized ecosystem from the start, giving you the edge of scalability and security without massive infrastructure costs.

Explore Funding Opportunities within the ICP Ecosystem

Many decentralized platforms, including ICP, offer funding grants and opportunities for new startups. The DFINITY Foundation, which developed the Internet Computer, has a grants program to support startups and developers building on the platform.

• Apply for the DFINITY Developer Grant: This can help fund the early stages of your project.
• Network with ICP Investors: As the ecosystem grows, so does the interest from blockchain investors who are looking for the next big thing on ICP.

Scale Your Startup and Stay Updated with ICP Developments

Once your MVP is out and you’ve started gaining traction, it’s time to scale. ICP is built to handle scaling easily, allowing you to grow your user base without worrying about server issues or slow speeds. Use your community connections, technical team, and ICP resources to keep refining and expanding your product.

Stay updated with developments in the ICP ecosystem so you can incorporate new features or take advantage of upcoming innovations that could benefit your startup.

Article by: Mana Lamja