What are you looking for in a co-founder?

I had this discussion with a colleague. If you were to look for someone to co-found your idea...what is your main reason for needing a co-founder? And if you decide to look for one, what do you value most in a co-founder?

Replies

Philip Snyder
Ideally, I would want a co-founder who is passionate about the same things that I am and who has complementary skills to my own. I think it's important to have someone to bounce ideas off of and to help share the workload.
Nick @ The Designer’s Toolbox
@philipsnyder @technufllc Passionate about the same things related to work, or (also) outside of work?
Michael Flux
+1 for complimentary skills. While I'm fairly well rounded - the result is that I know enough to know how little I know. Without a doubt a good founder which excels where I have shortcomings would 10x things for me. As far as what I value - bluntness and honesty. If I'm doing something stupid, tell me I'm doing something stupid. No need to sugarcoat it, no need for PC language, no need to try to not offend. The more direct, the better.
Brittany Salas
70% complementary skill set. 30% natural connection for communication and ideation.
Mike Schrobo
- Shared product passion - Shared goals - Shared work ethic - Deep experience in field - Strong ability to resolve conflict
Aditya Rajput
Love for the things I hate doing. 😂
Aphelia T.
From my experience, the person should have inner motivation and be able to sustain themselves during no motivation days. And also a partner should be someone ready to share the responsibility. Reliable people are gold.
David Stirk
Look for someone with complementary skills to your own who respects your input. You're going to spend a lot of time with your co-founder so make sure you invest in the relationship and build trust early.
Henry Bach
Ideal cofounder for me would be the one who wants to share his experience with others
Andrea Todorova
I already have a cofounder with whom I am more than satisfied. So I'm trying to think of the reasons why. Probably because I want to work with someone who is: - reliable - doesn't necessarily share my viewpoint, it's good to have different opinions and ideas; but they have to be passionate about our work and projects - has complementary skills (e.g. my partner is a designer and developer and I am a marketer) - who is on the same wavelength; so we really understand each other without trying too hard - with whom we share the same values Now I don't really know if I'm describing a life partner or a cofounder 😅
Sarah Lanza
You want your potential co-founders to recognize your drive, idea, and passion, but they also have to share all of these with you in order for your business to succeed. You need to be driven by the same desire if you want to reach the same goal with your company.
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Jin Kwon
I think the answer to this question should be very relative to how to grow the business. In order to grow the business, I think two things are needed. 1. Different perspective - this is why we should pursue diversity. 2. Different skill sets - I cannot do everything needed to grow the business.
Robert Ford
I'm looking for someone ambitious and driven but also flexible, willing to learn, has impeccable academics, is a good listener (contributes ideas when inputting), and is professional.
Tai Nguyen
From my own experience, the co-founder usually possesses the same sets of BOD's values but most of the time has a very unique set of characters. So I would say: value sharing is the most important factor. Other things will follow sooner or later.