Finding Startup Co-Founders

The cluster discusses the challenges, importance, and strategies for finding co-founders for startups, often comparing it to dating and debating whether one is truly necessary.

📉 Falling 0.3x Startups & Business
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e.g AE dot.com YC www.blog YOU ON AVERAGE YOUR PG founder cofounder founders startup finding partner idea business startups skill set

Sample Comments

alant Jan 27, 2018 View on HN

A lot of people are in need of a partner / cofounder including myself. However just like dating, this is a hard problem to solve. I hope this helps!

gkoberger Jan 22, 2020 View on HN

Yes! Maybe even especially FAANG people, since they’re used to large environments and different ways of doing things.There’s two things to do if you’re looking to find a cofounder.1. Build something. People are attracted to momentum, and the more traction you have the easier it’ll be to find someone to join. It seems backwards, but almost all teams I know came together after the product was (at least mostly) launched.2. Be generous. Sure, you started it and had the idea and all that. Bu

richi Nov 8, 2007 View on HN

not having a cofounder can be used as an excuse for not starting anything at all. it's probably better to start and take action. that might be the best strategy to attract the right cofounder anyway.

chtefi Aug 21, 2023 View on HN

Sharing some experiences about co-founding a startup and how important it is to have a co-founder (at least one).

wheels Oct 7, 2008 View on HN

Honestly, start looking for a co-founder. Ideally someone you rather like, since they're going to be the only person you see a lot of days.

What is your plan for finding a cofounder?

niallsmart Nov 13, 2009 View on HN

One difficulty is that qualified co-founders are probably already looking for _their_ idea's co-founder :) Quoting a @venturehacks idea for solving this: get them to work part-time on your startup until you win them over!

GVRV Oct 3, 2010 View on HN

what if you don't have any co-founders?

codegeek Jul 8, 2015 View on HN

I am very interested in finding a co-founder for an existing project (already has paying clients). I tried using the various websites like cofounderslab etc but it is tough. The reason is that finding a co-founder is like finding a date that could turn into a serious relationship (think girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife). So this takes time and effort and cannot be solved by a listing website.Here are some of the problems/challenges I have faced:- Not everyone wants to

rajdesai225 Apr 30, 2012 View on HN

Finding a business partner (co founder) is just like finding a life partner. You have to start out with a business date and see if you can take the relationship to the next level. Running a business is all about conviction and hard work. You will go through lots and lots of ups and downs and for better or worst your business partner will be there to share your burden. You should try to get a co-founder with skill-set that is different from yours. So, if you are a coder, try to bring someone who