Ask HN: Can we brainstorm a better way to find a co-founder?

If I were a technical person, the primary trait I'd want in a co-founder is a willingness to do whatever needs to be done, and an aversion to structures that allow "it's your job, not mine" discussions. There's a difference between complementary skills and specialization. At 30 people specialization becomes hard to avoid, at two people both need to own everything.

Good luck.

If you're business / operations looking for a cofounder, you should have some money raised already and you should understand that you must always be raising. It doesn't stop. Ever. Just as building the product doesn't stop. Ever.

Operations focused people should be really fucking good at sieving hires. Heart, skill, engagement, and team coordination are critical in an early stage startup and hiring one grumpy butt or that intern you think is smart but cheap could really screw you badly.

(just a few thoughts on my numerous lessons learned over building four startups)

We failed probably because of not what you're thinking. My business co-founder brought more to the table than I could imagine. I've gained a lot of respect for the hard work of sales, marketing, fundraising, and the people that make these tasks seem so easy.

We got hundreds of customers, made $10k revenue per month, and had a staff of 5 at one time. All bootstrapped over the course of 12 months.

The thing is, we were not happy working with each other. When shit hits the fan (which happens often in a new business), we just get on each other's nerves. On paper, we have perfectly complimentary skill set. He's a charming people person. I'm a proficient developer. In reality, the fact that we're so opposite means that we're always seeing and doings things differently. When we're in a grind, he wants to hi-fives to boost morale and I want to put my head down to ship faster.

If I were to do it again. I'd find a smart, hardworking person that brings me energy and that I'd bring them energy when the shit hits the fan. I wouldn't care if they're a CEO, CTO, C-whatever-O. I'd look for someone that I'd enjoy working with above all else.

- You are a sales or marketing wizard

- You have domain specific knowledge and experience

- You have critical connections

- You have funding

You probably need several of these to be an attractive co-founder. Another way of saying it is: what will you be working on every day that will cause the startup to succeed? The technical co-founder is going to work on building the product every day. Without that you can't succeed. Why does he need you to succeed? That is what you need to communicate to potential co-founders.

If you have a good way to convince potential co-founders that they need you, then how to find them? It could be that you are successful with founder dating programs but starting a startup is a huge commitment. Do you really want to do that with a stranger? I think it makes a lot more sense to do it with a college friend or a former colleague.

That being said, just because you can brainstorm with someone doesn't mean you'll be successful. You could be mediocre which is why it's easy for you to find someone you can brainstorm with. But it is a sign of a good cofounder.