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How to Identify the Perfect Cofounder.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How to Identify the Perfect Cofounder.
Authors: Austin, Julia1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Harvard Business Review. Jul/Aug2025, Vol. 103 Issue 4, p108-117. 10p. 24 Color Photographs.
Subject Terms: *BUSINESS partnerships, *BUSINESSPEOPLE, *ENTREPRENEURSHIP, *NEW business enterprises, *BUSINESS ethics, *BUSINESS development, *INVESTORS, *RISK management in business
Abstract: One of the first and most important decisions entrepreneurs make is whether to go it alone or bring on cofounders. Many investors favor startups with multiple founders, believing that a team reduces business risk by diversifying skills, sharing responsibilities, and preventing burnout. But forcing a cofounder relationship can do more harm than good: Research has shown that conflict within the founding team is one of the primary reasons high-potential startups fail. Entrepreneurs should consider bringing on a cofounder if they have unmet needs in three key areas: partnership, expertise, and experience. Finding the right cofounder is not as difficult as finding a life partner, but it's close. It is critical to think carefully about what you want in a cofounder and spend time nurturing prospective relationships. Key steps in the courtship process include conducting a listening tour, writing a job description, "dating" various candidates, and having a prenuptial conversation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Business Source Index
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Abstract:One of the first and most important decisions entrepreneurs make is whether to go it alone or bring on cofounders. Many investors favor startups with multiple founders, believing that a team reduces business risk by diversifying skills, sharing responsibilities, and preventing burnout. But forcing a cofounder relationship can do more harm than good: Research has shown that conflict within the founding team is one of the primary reasons high-potential startups fail. Entrepreneurs should consider bringing on a cofounder if they have unmet needs in three key areas: partnership, expertise, and experience. Finding the right cofounder is not as difficult as finding a life partner, but it's close. It is critical to think carefully about what you want in a cofounder and spend time nurturing prospective relationships. Key steps in the courtship process include conducting a listening tour, writing a job description, "dating" various candidates, and having a prenuptial conversation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00178012