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Founder disputes result in or are part of most startup failures I will not promote
Over the past few years, I co-founded several early-stage startups. One of my main takeaways is that the relationship between co-founders is the foundation of any startup, and without alignment, success is unlikely. Building a company with someone you don’t deeply trust and work well with is a recipe for failure. Based on my experience, here are the key qualities I’d look for in a co-founder: • Do I enjoy working with this person and feel excited to build with them? • Do we have complementary skill sets, and can they execute independently? • What unique industry knowledge, ideas, or insights do they bring? • Are they willing to do whatever it takes, even demeaning work? • Can they fully commit for a decade or more and through tough times? • Do they have a bias for action and make significant progress quickly? • Are we aligned on our motivations and financing strategy for the company? • Are they low-ego, collaborative, open to feedback, and positive? • Do we share the same expectations for work-life balance and onsite work? • Can they handle high-pressure situations without burning out? • Are they trustworthy, transparent, open-minded, and have integrity? • Are they fair with early equity splits before major traction? • Are they quick learners who can iterate and pivot as needed? Do you agree with these qualities? What do you look for in a co-founder? I will not promote1
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