Recently, more and more programmers are thinking, “I want to create my own service or product and start a business.” In the past, many believed, “As long as you have the technical skills, you’ll manage somehow.” But today’s IT industry has grown too complex for such simple thinking. Let’s take a closer look at why this shift is happening and what factors are driving it.
1. Business Perspective Matters, Not Just Technical Skills
In the past, programmers were primarily seen as technical specialists—focused on writing code and making it work. Today, that’s no longer enough. Even if you have a great idea, spreading it requires marketing and a system for collecting user feedback. Funding and designing a viable revenue model have also become essential.
2. Explosive Internet Growth and Easy Access
The development of the internet and cloud services has created an era where “almost anything is possible.” This allows individuals or small teams to build substantial services and reach a global audience. Platforms like AWS or GCP enable setting up servers and infrastructure without significant upfront investment.
3. Rapidly Changing Markets and Intensified Competition
The IT industry is constantly evolving. Those who can quickly adapt to new technologies, trends, and changing user needs survive. This means it’s not enough to pursue technology alone—you must also think about how to turn it into a business. Launching a service, iterating quickly, and scaling efficiently have become necessities.
4. Flexible Work Styles and the Rise of Side Projects
There is a growing trend toward “location- and time-independent work” and companies allowing side projects. Many programmers now start developing their own services while still employed. The desire to realize personal visions without being constrained by a traditional job boosts entrepreneurial motivation.
5. Passion and the Drive for Self-Actualization
Finally, the pursuit of personal passion and self-fulfillment is a strong motivator. Turning what you love into work and helping others through your ideas has become possible thanks to the IT world. Programmers today can use their creativity as a weapon to create services that impact the world.
Understanding these factors helps answer the question: “Why are today’s programmers aiming to start their own businesses?” It’s because the industry now demands individuals who not only have technical skills but also understand business strategy, marketing, and funding. The internet’s reach and changing markets have expanded individual potential and significantly lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship.
This trend is likely to continue and may even accelerate. If you have programming skills, now is an ideal time to leverage them fully and challenge yourself in the world of business. By combining technical expertise with a business mindset, you can unlock a more promising and exciting future.
