Do you need to be an expert in coding to build a successful startup??

"Do you need to be an expert in coding to build a successful Startup, or can you employ experts to do the technical work for you?"

This was the question asked over at CNET

http://news.cnet.com/8301-33617_3-57...to-learn-code/

In the Internet Marketing world, Outsourcing coding is all the rage. This author says has a Different viewpoint.

"You have to code, not because you need to be good at it, but because technical employees are far more likely to follow a founder with technical experience."

I personally feel it is "NOT" a (need) necessity as many successful companies have been built without having to personally know coding....HOWEVER it IS an ADVANTAGE in terms of speed implementation and communicating with technical support staff.

In my corporate sales world...the Technical Engineer was brought on to a LOT of conference calls in a Group sell format, and was Vital to the discussion. But the lead sales guy was often Less then technical, basic understanding of benefits and impact to the client of the technology.

So what are YOUR opinions Sowpub? is the author on Target? or did he miss the mark? Do you "need" to be an expert in coding to build a successful startup?

What say you Sowpub?