Publications
Publications
- July–August 2025
- Harvard Business Review
How to Identify the Perfect Cofounder
By: Julia Austin
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.
Keywords
Citation
Austin, Julia. "How to Identify the Perfect Cofounder." Harvard Business Review 103, no. 4 (July–August 2025): 108–117.