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MS

Michael Seibel

08/17/19

@ Y Combinator

Choosing co-founders you don't know well can be detrimental; a pre-existing relationship helps ensure you can navigate tough times together.

Video

YC

The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Founders Make - Michael Seibel

@ Y Combinator

The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Founders Make - Michael Seibel

08/17/19

Related Takeaways

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Jessica Livingston

05/29/17

@ Y Combinator

Be cautious when choosing a cofounder; ensure you know them well and have a history of working together, rather than just teaming up with someone available.

JL

Jessica Livingston

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Be cautious when choosing a co-founder; ensure you know them well and have worked together before starting a venture.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

06/01/16

@ Y Combinator

The risks of bringing on a co-founder who is not well-known or aligned with the founder's vision can outweigh the benefits, making it crucial to choose wisely.

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Patrick Collison

11/05/15

@ Greylock

Many successful co-founders have strong relationships that help them persist through challenges, unlike many companies that face insurmountable disagreements.

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Severin Hacker

05/19/25

@ 20VC with Harry Stebbings

The best predictor of a successful partnership between founders is prior work experience together, not just friendship.

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Anatoly Yakovenko

06/13/25

@ a16z crypto

Having a co-founder is crucial; it provides relational support and helps structure thoughts during challenging moments, especially in a remote work environment.

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Harj Taggar

03/26/21

@ Y Combinator

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.

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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.

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Matthew Prince

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

It's important to have co-founders who cover different skill sets and trust each other, as this foundation is crucial for navigating the challenges of building a startup.