Before you go hunting for a co‑founder, pause and ask yourself why—bringing someone in isn’t a box to check, it’s a choice that reshapes every late night, every tough call, every win.

The Case Against “Just in Case” Co‑Founders

• Risk of breakup. Roughly two‑thirds of startups cite co‑founder conflict as a leading cause of failure [link] —and I witnessed one firsthand.
• Equity split. You’re literally cutting your upside in half.
• Emotional liability. You’ll carry your partner’s stress, doubts and burnout alongside your own.

These downsides are universal—so “I should just find someone” isn’t good enough.

Solo‑First, Partner‑If‑Right

I’m fully committed to running this startup solo—and believe it’s possible on my own. I’ll only invite a co‑founder if the right person comes along and fills a gap I truly can’t bridge myself.

My Non‑Negotiable Criteria

While I can't speak for everyone, here are my criteria.

1. Vibe first. Competence is table stakes—chemistry is the foundation.
2. Competence & drive. They bring skills or connections I need, and match my bar for ambition.
3. Independence & runway. They can carry their share without constant hand‑holding.

Why “Vibe” Trumps All

You’ll spend 80–100 hours a week together—celebrating small wins at 2 AM, picking each other up after crushing setbacks, and navigating uncharted territory side by side. Technical skills and runway matter, but if you can’t laugh over late‑night debugging or lean on each other when morale dips, you’ll burn out faster than you can pivot.

• Emotional resonance. When fear creeps in, you want someone who “gets it,” not just someone who can code.
• Shared values. Alignment on work ethic, communication style, even sense of humor builds trust when everything else feels uncertain.
• Energy sync. Look for someone whose enthusiasm fuels you on the toughest days—because grit alone won’t carry you forever.

Takeaway for Founders

Treat co‑founder selection like choosing a life partner:

1. Define the gap. What can’t you do alone?
2. Articulate the need. Why must this person join?
3. Prioritize chemistry. Vibe isn’t a luxury—it’s the glue for every sleepless iteration.

If you can’t clearly explain why you need a co‑founder—and why you can’t go it alone—hold off. This might be the second most important decision you make, why rush it?