5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Co-Founder (Based on a True Story)

Choosing the right co-founder can make or break your startup. Here's how Felix Lee and I, with our Batman and Superman dynamic, built adplist.org together. This is our story and the lessons we've learned along the way.

1. Locations Don't Matter in a Global Village

On April 14, 2020, I reached out to Felix on LinkedIn during the pandemic. Felix had started the Amazing Design People List (ADPList) to help people find jobs. He probably thought I was just another consultant trying to make a quick buck. But one call later, we realized we were on the same page. Fun fact: we still haven't met in person. That's the beauty of the digital age.

In today's global village, diversity is the spice of life, and distance is just a state of mind. The digital world has erased borders, allowing us to collaborate seamlessly despite being miles apart.

2. Trust and Respect: The Dynamic Duo

Every lasting relationship needs a solid foundation of trust and respect. Sure, Felix and I have had our rough patches, but we always put ADPList first. We knew that even if one of us left, the other would carry the torch and keep our baby alive.

"Trust is the glue that holds relationships together, and respect is the cherry on top," as I like to say. We're a team, through thick and thin. We might not always see eye to eye, but we've got each other's backs. This unwavering trust and respect have been crucial to our success.

3. Complementary Skills with Some Overlap

Felix and I are as different as night and day when it comes to our principles and approaches. But our values and skills fit together like puzzle pieces. Felix (Batman) is a strategic genius, ready to make the tough calls for the greater good of the company. And me (Superman)? I'm the people's champ, building trust and inspiring the team to bring their A-game every single day.

By playing to our strengths, we've created something incredible that impacts thousands of lives worldwide. "Teamwork makes the dream work, and we're living proof," as an anonymous genius once said.

4. Share the Same Vision, Sometimes with Different Lenses

Diversity is what makes the world go round, but shared values and visions keep us all spinning in the same direction. Whenever we lost our way, we'd think back to that fateful Thursday and remember why we started this journey in the first place.

Having a common goal helps us find the middle ground when things get rocky and face challenges head-on. There were times when I had to clean up Felix's internal messes, and times when he had to be the public face during tough situations. Our shared vision kept us aligned and focused on our mission.

5. All Work and No Play...

Being a co-founder means spending a ton of time together, learning, growing, and occasionally driving each other nuts. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. Felix has made me a better founder, and I'd like to think I've done the same for him.

Your co-founder should be someone you can't wait to hang out with, someone who makes you smile even when things are tough. Even though I'm not in the trenches with ADPList anymore, Felix still comes to me for advice on life and the company. And that, my friends, is what it's all about.

Building a startup is one heck of a ride, filled with twists, turns, and the occasional loop-de-loop. But when you've got a co-founder who shares your vision, pushes you to be your best, and makes you laugh along the way? That's when the magic happens. Felix and I, with our Batman and Superman dynamic, have created something pretty darn special. Our story proves that with trust, respect, and a shared purpose, anything is possible.

Credit: How to Choose Cofounders