Comment by theptip

Lack of expertise in some particular technology is simply another opportunity cost. I can learn how to operate a production DB at scale (I have racked servers and run other production workloads) but as cofounder/CTO in a startup is that the best use of my time?

If the cost of a hosted DB is going to sink the company, then of course, I will figure it out and run it myself. But it’s not, for most startups. And therefore that knowledge isn’t providing much leverage.

Starting an AI company with deep expertise in training models - that is an example of knowledge providing huge leverage. DB tech is not in this bucket for most businesses.