My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem? • Hacker News Board

Re: My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem?

#11

Post by op2ed » Sat, Apr 01, 2017, 9:24 PM UTC

WheelsAtLarge wrote: post #9

In business you're going to have to make some decisions were you will disagree with each other. Unfortunately this will carry over to your personal relationship. Personal to business disagreements will also happen. If you can, avoid putting extra stress on your marriage. It's hard enough to stay married in general. You can say the same thing for the business. Also, it's nice to remove yourself from the stress of work…

Well the issue with us is that our business was born out of our abilities, alone the business would fall apart. For now, we have no choice to be co-founders. But thank you for your input.

Re: My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem?

#12

Post by op2ed » Sat, Apr 01, 2017, 9:26 PM UTC

CyberFonic wrote: post #8

It depends. Your past experiences certainly suggest that you work together well on an adventure and facing crisis - both of which are common with startups. I did read somewhere that the husband and wife co-founders of VmWare maintained a professional separation of responsibilities and decision making. They upheld this when facing staff, investors and other outsiders. They only did "couple things" at home and with fri…

Thanks for the input, it is inspiring and rather useful for us.

Re: My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem?

#13

Post by eksurfus » Sun, Apr 02, 2017, 1:57 AM UTC

I co-founded a company with my boyfriend of 1.5 years, who later became my husband. Our company has been bootstrapped and profitable for the last 8 years. Initially, we were both slightly embarrassed to be both co-founders and in a relationship, but as time went on (and especially in moving to SV) we realized this is incredibly common. Its also very common to co-found with a sibling, cousin or other family member. The reality is that running a company is incredibly hard, and you need to be able to trust your co-founding team members. Family members (by blood or marriage), if you are lucky, are often the people you trust the most.

Re: My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem?

#14

Post by ajeet_dhaliwal » Sun, Apr 02, 2017, 12:34 PM UTC

Two of the co-founders of YC are now husband and wife, although I have no idea if they were together at the start. It appears they have also accepted a husband and wife team before . Not sure whether they factor for this one way or the other.

Personally I couldn't do it with my wife, that's just the nature of our relationship. Last thing I want to waste time doing while starting up is have to give out constant hugs because I was too harsh in my criticism or disagreement about something. However everyone's relationship is different good luck to you if yours is one of those.

Also aside, is it wise to be hitch hiking through middle east war zones? The last thing I'm sure anyone here wants to see is you and your wife on the news cowering while someone threatens to cut your heads off.

Re: My wife is my co-founder, is that going to be a problem?

#15

Post by rajacombinator » Sun, Apr 02, 2017, 5:28 PM UTC

Presumably all married couples have a strong connection ... I'd also presume most investors would see it as a net negative, so your overall pitch will have to be that much stronger.