How to find the perfect co-founder for your startup
Networking is crucial for (aspiring) entrepreneurs to find their perfect “partner-in-crime” when building a business. How do you find people, and most importantly, how do you find the right people?
The Founder Institute Amsterdam brought 40 people together in TSH Collab to learn from renowned founders themselves.
Founder Cyndee Sugra (The Werck Group) got interviewed by Daan Weddepohl (Peerby). Both are Entrepreneurs in Residence in the Founder Institute Amsterdam chapter. They both gave the eager audience of 40 aspiring entrepreneurs some valuable insights.
How they found a co-founder
Cyndee started her career in music, when she landed a record deal when she was just sixteen years old. She then went on to work in the music business at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation, as well as other media companies and tech start-ups. In the early 2000’s the Internet bubble burst, which prompted her to launch a design and technology agency to help Fortune 1000 and Entertainment companies innovate digital products, as well as develop their own software.
She eventually brought in a CTO due to company growth and needing to solve more complex technology issues that went beyond the agency’s existing capabilities. “Co-founders often come when you least expect it. It happened very naturally with someone I already knew quite well and had a history with, which already meant that we had trust. My experience is that if you are too desperate in your search, you won’t find the best match.”
Daan had a more straightforward path: he found his CTO and co-founder in the Founder Institute accelerator programme. “Part of why we ‘clicked’, was the understanding of our roles. We both knew creating a company is different then being in a company. Co-fouders need to understand that. It’s simply not about having a cool job title. You need to zoom out and define what you want for the company, not for yourself.”
Questions from the audience
How do you value the skill set of co-founders?
Cyndee: “It is important to know what your weaknesses are so you know what to look for in a founder to fill your gaps. Also, founders possess that extra ‘something’ that goes beyond a certain skillset, which involves passion, being relentless and taking risks. Finding that ‘one’ is difficult, but I think it’s ultimately about tapping into our human side. Founders are people as well, we’re not work machines. Find that connection with your founder.
Should co-founders live in the same city?
Daan: “As always, it depends. But as Cyndee said: you are building a human connection. So you need the personal time, especially in the beginning. I highly recommend meeting each other face to face in the early days.
More advice or insights for launching your startup? Apply to the Founder Institute programme or attend our next event (attendance is free)!
