Team Before Idea

A successful startup begins with finding the right co-founder before settling on a business idea. Here's how to approach team building first.

Core Team-Building Philosophy

• Start with team selection before business ideation
• Focus on compatibility and complementary skills
• Test relationships through challenging experiences
• Avoid co-founder conflict, the #1 startup killer

Key Co-Founder Selection Criteria

• Prior relationship

  • Knew partner for 4+ years before starting business
  • Built trust through shared experiences
  • Tested relationship in challenging situations

• Complementary Skills

  • Avoid partners with identical backgrounds
  • Clear division of responsibilities
  • Different technical vs operational strengths
  • Prevents role confusion and overlap

• Shared Values

  • Ability to work through hard situations together
  • Common work ethic and goals
  • Can handle conflict constructively
  • Mutual respect and trust

Testing the Relationship

• Engage in challenging activities together

  • Example: Volunteering in Haiti
  • Physical and mental challenges
  • High-stress situations
  • Living in difficult conditions

• Work on small projects first

  • Trial runs before full commitment
  • Test communication styles
  • Observe problem-solving approaches
  • Evaluate conflict resolution abilities

Reality Check

• Fighting is normal and expected
• Focus on effective conflict resolution
• High risk, high reward strategy
• Success means winning as a team
• Failure can cost both business and friendship