A Checklist for Cofounder Happiness
Successful companies are built on strong cofounder relationships. These partnerships don’t happen by accident - they require these foundations:
- 100% mutual trust
- 0% ego - leave it at the door
- Shared vision for the company’s future
- Full transparency
- Honest conversations
- Having uncomfortable conversations early
- Recognizing and valuing your differences
- Mutually agreed expectations
- Written agreements for clarity, not just handshakes
- Consistently delivering on your commitments
- Clear decision-making process for disagreements
- Flexible roles that evolve based on company needs
- Acknowledgment of each other’s wins and contributions
- Aligned personal timelines
- Aligned financial needs
- Time apart to recharge and maintain perspective
- Remember why you started this journey together