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  • September 2023 (Revised January 2025)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

To Found or to Cofound? That is the Question

By: Christina Wallace and Jo Tango
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:7
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Abstract

Entrepreneurs often struggle with the question of whether to found solo or alongside one or more cofounders. This case is comprised of three vignettes detailing common founding scenarios: the first-time technical founder; the serial commercial founder; and the MBA co-founders who are friends first. Coupled with robust research, this case offers students the opportunity to break down the roles, responsibilities, relationships, and resources of a founding team and determine when and why they should found alone or seek a cofounder.

Keywords

Business Startups; Decisions; Entrepreneurship; Partners and Partnerships

Citation

Wallace, Christina, and Jo Tango. "To Found or to Cofound? That is the Question." Harvard Business School Case 824-034, September 2023. (Revised January 2025.)
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About The Authors

Christina M. Wallace

Entrepreneurial Management
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Jo Tango

Entrepreneurial Management
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Related Work

    • September 2023 (Revised January 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    To Found or to Cofound? That is the Question

    By: Christina Wallace and Jo Tango
Related Work
  • To Found or to Cofound? That is the Question By: Christina Wallace and Jo Tango
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