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In the world of startups, your co-founder isn’t just a partner—they’re the backbone of your entrepreneurial journey. Sam Altman, the entrepreneurial guru and Y Combinator chairman, lays down some golden rules for choosing a co-founder. Spoiler alert: it’s not about finding the first JavaScript expert you meet.
Why a Bad Co-Founder is Worse Than None
Altman doesn’t sugarcoat it: “A bad co-founder is way worse than no co-founder.” Many startups fail because entrepreneurs hastily pair up with random individuals due to the belief that they need a co-founder. Y Combinator’s data reveals a staggering 100% failure rate among startups with mismatched or hastily chosen co-founders.
The lesson? Don’t rush. A co-founder should be someone you know, trust, and have a shared history with.
The Power of Shared History
A shared history isn’t just nice to have—it’s critical. Altman explains that startups often hit points where logic says to give up. During those moments, the bond between co-founders can be the glue that keeps the dream alive. A strong relationship built on trust and mutual respect will ensure that you both push through the hard times.
Take Google’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin, for example. Their relationship, forged during their Ph.D. days at Stanford, became the foundation for one of the world’s most successful companies.
Determination: The Ultimate Trait
For Altman, determination is the single most important quality in a co-founder. Startups are grueling, and only those who refuse to give up can weather the storm. He advises looking for people who embody persistence and grit, as these qualities often outweigh technical skills.
Values Over Skills
When searching for a co-founder, most people prioritize technical skills, like coding or product expertise. Altman flips this order on its head:
Values: Look for someone who shares your values, especially determination.
Aptitude: Choose someone with the potential to learn and grow.
Skills: Specific technical abilities come last.
This approach ensures your co-founder will align with your vision and adapt as challenges arise.
Humility and Grit Over Entitlement
The ideal co-founder is humble and grounded, not entitled. Humility fosters collaboration and adaptability—two essential traits in the chaotic startup environment. Think of companies like Patagonia, where the founders' down-to-earth values shaped a global movement.
Final Thoughts: Building for the Long Haul
Choosing a co-founder isn’t about filling a role—it’s about finding someone who will share the ups and downs of building a business. Look for determination, shared values, and humility. With the right partner, you’re better equipped to navigate the complexities of the startup world and turn your vision into reality.
Start with trust. Build on grit. And together, create something extraordinary.
Watch Sam Altman:
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