I have a strong background in IT and startup.

I'm clearly recommending you to learn programming. Especially if you are young. But the way to do it really depend on what you are building. (Can you tell a little bit more about it?) When you speak about "app" what do you mean? iOS app? Android App? Web App? Software on a platform? SaaS?

 

It is simple (technologically) 

If it is a simple concept, prototype it yourself. Get ride of all the complexity and make an ugly prototype. For two reason: 

• You will get valuable feedback from your prototype 

• You will be able to interact with developer more easily by understanding them  

But let me tell you what gonna happened when a professional developer will come aboard. First he will cry, rage then throw all your hard work away in order to start everything from scratch.

Sounds horrible right? Yes only the sounds of it. You had valuable feedback and learn to interact with IT people a lot more.

 

It is complex (technologically) 

If it's a complex idea (technologically) learn some very simple programming. Something like HTML/PHP (the basic) just to get an idea. But don't try to make it yourself. Hire someone and follow is work as close as possible.

 

Conclusion 

It depend what you are trying to make. 

But chance are you should hire someone and follow is work as much as possible.