How to Find and Manage a Co-Founder

The Startup Help Desk

In this episode we answer questions about finding a co-founder and managing your relationship with your co-founder for the road ahead. Co-founder conflict is one of the top reasons for startup failure; many argue it is the primary cause of startup failure in the early days. We are here to help! In this episode we answer questions including:

• How do I find a co-founder?
• Can I add a co-founder later?
• What are the best ways to avoid co-founder conflict?

All of these questions were submitted by listeners just like you. You can submit questions for us to answer on our website TheStartupHelpdesk.com or on X/Twitter @thestartuphd - we'd love to hear from you!
Q1: How do I find a co-founder?
Best practices include:
1: Build your startup and have conversations with interesting people. Talk to the best people you know in tech and ask who are the best people they know. As you build relationships around the problem you aim to solve or the industry within which your startup operates, you can generate potential co-founder leads.
2: Use your network. Connections from past employers, university mailing lists.
3: Use helpful tools. One such tool is the YC co-founder matching platform.
4: Create opportunities for serendipity. Go to events, compete in hackathons, and spend time learning from others that want to solve meaningful problems.
Finding a co-founder takes time. Build a relationship with a prospective co-founder first, work together on some projects, and confirm compatibility across key areas before rushing into co-founder status.
Q2: Can I add a co-founder later?
Yes! Starting the company yourself and hiring a co-founder is a best practice. "Co-founder" has no formal definition; thus, you can add a co-founder at anytime.
When you add a co-founder later than typical, then you may be able to start the co-founder relationship with more clarity about the direction of the business. For example, you may already have a clear problem you are solving with customers and investors. This can make it easier to identify the complementary skills that you would like to add via a co-founder.
The biggest problem is equity. How much can your co-founder own? The good news is that common vesting schedules help protect you and the company from a co-founder relationship that does not work.
Q3: What are the best ways to avoid co-founder conflict?
Co-founder conflict is common; it is a leading cause of startup death. Expectation setting is the root of all conflict. How do they react under pressure? What about when there is a lot of money on the line?
You can de-risk this process by knowing your co-founder before you start the company.
To align on expectations, be honest and transparent with each other about responsibilities, timelines, and priorities.
It is not reasonable to think that you can create a successful startup by avoiding some executive friction. Growth and obstacles create friction. Set up a good framework for debates and empower decision makers.
It is very rare for co-founding teams to stay together for the 10+ years it takes to bring a great company to life.