Software engineer and former agency owner looking to get involved with co-ops
Hey everyone. I’m new to this community and relatively new to the cooperative world, so I wanted to introduce myself and ask for some guidance.
I’m a longtime software engineer and entrepreneur. I previously ran a software consultancy building mobile apps, web apps, blockchain products, and AI systems before the company was acquired. I still work in technology and spend a lot of time thinking about how software and AI are changing businesses and work.
I recently watched a piece about rideshare drivers in Colorado forming a cooperative and building their own app rather than relying entirely on the major rideshare platforms. Something about that really clicked for me.
I’ve spent a big chunk of my career helping companies build technology and create value for owners and investors. I’d like to explore using those same skills to help workers and communities build things they actually own.
I’m not coming in with a specific startup idea or trying to sell anything. I’m trying to learn where someone with my background can be useful. Are there organizations, communities, conferences, accelerator programs, or existing co-ops where experienced technical people can get plugged in?
I’d especially love to hear from people who have worked on platform co-ops, worker-owned tech companies, or helped non-technical groups turn a cooperative idea into an actual product.
Where would you recommend I start?