Instead of immediately searching for a startup idea and co-founders, focus on collaborating with people on projects. This approach allows you to build relationships and discover who you work well with, which can lead to future co-founding opportunities.

To prepare for starting a company, focus on finding both an idea and a co-founder simultaneously, as they often develop together.

Aspiring founders often mistakenly believe that the first step to starting a company is to create a pitch for investors, but the first step should be identifying who you want to work with and what you want to build.

If you're not willing to offer a potential co-founder equal equity, you should reconsider if that person is the right fit for your team.

Don't overly focus on the specific skills your co-founder has today; instead, prioritize their ability to learn and adapt as the startup evolves.

You should ideally have a set of potential co-founders before starting a startup, which can be developed through working on projects together in less pressurized environments.

When pitching to investors, it's crucial to communicate a bold vision and demonstrate that your team is capable of executing it, rather than focusing on exit strategies.

It's more important to work with someone you like and trust than to find a co-founder with the perfect skill set. If you have a strong working relationship, you can hire to fill any skill gaps later.

Co-founders typically collaborate to develop ideas together, sharing excitement and inspiration, which is vital for a successful partnership. If you're applying to Y Combinator, it's better to have a co-founder because single founders are disproportionately unlikely to get accepted.