There're two possible questions in the title, and I'm not sure which one you mean. Are you asking how a non-hacker can start a tech startup, specifically one focusing on the web? Or are you asking how a non-hacker can start any startup, be it biotech, finance, auto-body, housepainting, or some other industry entirely?
For the first question, you really either need to be a hacker yourself or convince a top-notch hacker to work for you. You can't expect to start a successful tech startup if you don't have good tech. I listed some ways that entrepreneurs repel potential tech cofounders here - http://news.ycombinator.com/comments?id=13000 - and also suggest some things you might bring to the table that might convince a techie to work with you.
If you're just looking to start any startup and don't care about the field, the rule is always "Concentrate on your strengths." Basically, you want to go into business being more passionate about the particular project you're working on than anyone else on earth (or in your location, if you have geographic barriers to entry). That's what'll convince customers to buy from you rather than a competitor.
There're two possible questions in the title, and I'm not sure which one you mean. Are you asking how a non-hacker can start a tech startup, specifically one focusing on the web? Or are you asking how a non-hacker can start any startup, be it biotech, finance, auto-body, housepainting, or some other industry entirely?
For the first question, you really either need to be a hacker yourself or convince a top-notch hacker to work for you. You can't expect to start a successful tech startup if you don't have good tech. I listed some ways that entrepreneurs repel potential tech cofounders here - http://news.ycombinator.com/comments?id=13000 - and also suggest some things you might bring to the table that might convince a techie to work with you.
If you're just looking to start any startup and don't care about the field, the rule is always "Concentrate on your strengths." Basically, you want to go into business being more passionate about the particular project you're working on than anyone else on earth (or in your location, if you have geographic barriers to entry). That's what'll convince customers to buy from you rather than a competitor.