Hi there,
I'm developing Trocatalent (https://www.trocatalent.com), a platform aimed at enabling solopreneurs to exchange skills without monetary transactions. The idea was born from my own experiences as a solo founder, realizing how challenging it can be to access diverse skills on a bootstrap budget.
Current features:
1. Skill categorization system: We've developed a comprehensive taxonomy of business-related skills, allowing for precise matching.
2. Basic matching algorithm: Currently uses skill categories, user-reported expertise levels, and project requirements to suggest potential matches.
3. Reputation system: Users rate each other post-exchange, building a trust score over time.
4. Escrow-inspired exchange process: To ensure fair exchanges, we've implemented a simple system where both parties must mark tasks as complete before the exchange is finalized.
Tech stack:
- Backend: Node.js with Express
- Frontend: React with Next.js
- Database: Mongodb
Challenges and future plans:
1. Improving the matching algorithm: We're exploring machine learning techniques to enhance match quality based on successful past exchanges.
2. Implementing a blockchain-inspired ledger: To create an immutable record of skill exchanges and reputation scores.
3. Scaling concerns: As the user base grows, we need to ensure the platform can handle increased matching complexity.
4. Community building: Developing features to foster a supportive community of solopreneurs.
5. Verification system: Working on ways to verify user skills without creating excessive barriers to entry.
We're in the early stages and actively seeking feedback. Some questions for the HN community:
1. As a solopreneur or developer, what features would make this platform valuable to you?
2. Any suggestions on tackling the challenge of fair skill valuation in non-monetary exchanges?
3. Thoughts on implementing a decentralized aspect to the platform? Is blockchain overkill for our use case?
4. Ideas on how to validate skills effectively without resorting to traditional certifications?
I'm excited to hear your thoughts and open to any questions about the development process or the challenges we're facing. Your insights could really shape the future of Trocatalent.
