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Atmrix

About

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Having co-founders isn't always necessary; some single founders can take their companies far without partners.

Video

YC

Shana Fisher at Startup School NY 2014

@ Y Combinator

06/20/14

Related Takeaways

YC

Y Combinator Cast

01/12/24

@ Y Combinator

Even if you don't believe in the theories about needing a business co-founder, you can find examples of successful companies that didn't have one.

SA

Sam Altman

03/18/17

@ Y Combinator

It's better to have no co-founder than a bad one; many successful startups have thrived with just the founders in the early stages, emphasizing the importance of careful selection.

HT

Harj Taggar

03/26/21

@ Y Combinator

Single founders can succeed if they have a strong conviction in their idea and can make progress without a co-founder, often being technical enough to build a prototype themselves.

KM

Kat Mañalac

05/24/19

@ Y Combinator

You can start a really successful company as a solo founder, but it's hard. Having a co-founder helps you share tasks and the emotional burden of starting a company.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/21/25

@ Y Combinator

Having a co-founder can provide essential support during challenging times, making it easier to navigate the ups and downs of startup life, as opposed to going solo.

ND

Nicolas Dessaigne

11/27/24

@ Y Combinator

You don't necessarily need a business co-founder; many successful dev tools are created by technical co-founders who learn to sell their products as they grow.

HT

Harj Taggar

09/27/24

@ Y Combinator

Finding a co-founder is essential for startup success, as it's incredibly challenging to succeed alone.

EI

Elizabeth Iorns

10/03/18

@ Y Combinator

Having a business co-founder is not a requirement for success; what matters more is finding someone who is passionate about solving the same problem and with whom you work well.

MS

Michael Seibel

01/12/24

@ Y Combinator

Yes, every startup doesn't necessarily need a non-technical co-founder, but it can be beneficial depending on the context.