If the startup is a consumer-oriented Web site that spreads by word of mouth, then a non-hacker can add little in the early days. A dedicated, entrepreneurial hacker is all it takes.

With that said, there are a lot of hackers who are super smart, but lack the entrepreneurial skills and need encouragement. If you do provide what the hacker is missing, the two of you could be a great team. Think: Jobs and Wozniak.

Go find that hacker. This is your first challenge. If you succeed, then you're on your way to a successful startup.