from Hacker News

Where do you find a co-founder for your startup?

by UXDork on 3/11/15, 1:18 AM with 7 comments

  • by flyinglizard on 3/12/15, 5:55 AM

    Pick someone that you know (not necessarily a friend), but take a few precautions.

    First, this person may completely change their character under pressure or a feeling of impending doom, just as you need them the most. You can work with someone in the same low stress job for years and you'd still be in for a surprise when the going gets rough.

    Second, you need to walk a very fine line between selling them on your idea on one hand and making sure your future prospects and goals are aligned. Selling someone a dream is easy, but it's just not enough for coping with the ongoing brutal wear that's startup work.

    Third, make sure this person complements your skills with as small of an overlap as possible.

    Fourth, assign responsibilities from day one, and aim for a vesting period for stock ownership (for all founders!) so if he ditches, you won't find yourself with a defunct company.

    So to sum it, it's not so much about where to find a cofounder, as much as it is managing the process and expectations.

  • by eddie_31003 on 3/11/15, 9:28 PM

    I agree with @alain94040. The best co-founder are your former classmates, co-workers, and the other people you have already worked with and know. Look for really smart people who are around you that possesses a skill that you lack. i.e. If you're technical, try to find somebody who is business oriented.

    I would also hit up Meetups, Users Groups, and maybe Alumni mixers. Chances are you might run into an old co-worker/class mate that shares similar interests.

  • by alain94040 on 3/11/15, 4:34 PM

    Hope this helps: http://www.slideshare.net/alain94040/co-founder-issues

    The best co-founders are people you already worked with. Go back in time, even for ex co-workers you think wouldn't be interested, meet the ones you deeply respect and start meeting with them for coffee.

    Maybe they'll be interested, or at least they can recommend someone else they trust who could be. Repeat.

  • by funkylexoo on 3/11/15, 9:30 AM

    If you have to ask, then you may want to consider flying solo.

    (Sorry if it sounds a bit negative)

  • by haidrali on 3/11/15, 4:50 PM

  • by kwc98 on 3/11/15, 12:00 PM

    This may be helpful:

    http://cofounderslab.com

  • by staunch on 3/11/15, 8:36 AM

    Someone you have worked with for > 1 year and do not have doubts about.