5 Methods for Finding a Co-founder

Although there are no clear actions about how to find a co-founder, we can outline several steps that can be undertaken. Some of them could be obvious, while others – not so much. In either case, we will try to be as simple and straightforward as possible.

Use the power of your own personal network –?This should definitely be the first place where you should seek. A startup is a very long-term obligation so you will want somebody that will stick with the team no matter what happens during the long journey. As we mentioned, the co-founder should be a person who has your trust and who will help you lay down the vision of the new organization. For that to happen, you will need to have confidence in that person. Confidence that he/she will carry the idea on with you. That of course is not enough. A good team will require members whose skills complement each other’s, so?search for someone with the?skills you lack.

Networking events –?Reaching out to your network is important, but what if you do not have one, to begin with? What then? Fortunately, in today’s connected world there are numerous social networks aiming to solve such problems. In almost every major city you can visit numerous startup events and meet new people. Just check out the websites that provide information about the latest events worldwide and you are ready to go.

Founders matchmaking websites –?Those platforms are akin to dating apps like ‘Tinder’ or ‘Hot or not' and they serve as an important starting point for building business relationships. There are also live startup events similar to speed dating where you simply pitch your idea to others and see how they react. The main goal here is to leave with a list of people you would like to continue your startup’s talks with.

Use external help ( Venture Starters can also support your recruiting effort in terms of finding co-founders and C-level executives)?– One other idea that could be used in filling skill gaps is outsourcing. If you have enough funds, you can hire a team to help you build your MVP. You could either outsource to an agency or to some specific freelancers and all this could be executed through the tons of platforms on the market – websites like UpWork, Fiverr, TopTal, Guru, and Freelancer.com. Because you are hiring people only for specific tasks, this could prove much cheaper than having full-time employees. However, bear in mind that it might not work out for some larger and longer-running projects – in that case, an agency (or a certain specialist in the field like Mark November ) would be more helpful.

Start by yourself –?If months come and go and you just cannot find the right co-founder then maybe it’s a good idea to start alone at least until you have your?Minimum Viable Product.?It could be much harder than working on it with a partner but it could have its positive sides (like having something to show to investors). In order to do that, you may need to hire freelancers for a short period of time or a mentor who works with local entrepreneurs. If you manage to get people’s interest in your MVP, they may even become your co-founders.

Be Creative

The options we covered here are just some of the ways that you can use to seek potential business partners. Just like with romantic relationships, you will have to go out and meet people. You will have to share your drive and your motivation. Once you find someone who complements your skills and ideas, do everything in your power to keep him/her near. It could be the co-founder, helping you build the next big thing!