Publications
Publications
- June 2025
- HBS Case Collection
To Found or to Cofound? That Is the Question
By: Christina Wallace and Stacy Straaberg
Abstract
Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 824-034. 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; Partners and Partnerships; Entrepreneurship; Fashion Industry; Financial Services Industry; Technology Industry; United States
Citation
Wallace, Christina, and Stacy Straaberg. "To Found or to Cofound? That Is the Question." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 825-148, June 2025.