To all Cofounders, this one's for you
Hundreds of interviews and decades of experience, all in one place.

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The first of its kind!

The Cofounder’s Handbook provides insight, practical advice, and proven tips from actual real-world cofounders on how to build and maintain a rewarding partnership.

Book Chapters

PROLOGUE

The Impact of One Decision

Do you need a Cofounder? Points to think about when deciding whether to go it alone or with a partner.

CHAPTER 1

The Cofounder Debate

The pros and cons of a partnership, reasons NOT to have a cofounder, and alternatives to bringing on a partner.

 

CHAPTER 2

Do an Honest Self-Evaluation

In order to be the best partner you can be, first evaluate who you are and what you bring to the table

 

CHAPTER 3

Time for the Pitch

What to pull together when you are ready to approach potential candidates for your cofounder position.

 

CHAPTER 4

Where to Find Your Cofounder

Based on the origin stories of many founders, here’s an extensive list of where you can find the perfect cofounder.

 

CHAPTER 5

P.I.K.E.

How to tell if someone has what it takes to join a cofoundership. How to measure Passion, Interest, Knowledge, and Excitement.

 

CHAPTER 6

Assessing Potential Cofounders

How to assess the skills, talents, and experience of your potential cofounder and why it is important.

 

CHAPTER 7

It's Time for "The Talk"

Are you ready to ask the hard questions? The essential conversations you must have when you are in a partnership.

 

CHAPTER 8

Factors to Consider

Skills and talents may not be enough to build a strong partnership. Here’s a list of other factors you should think about.

 

CHAPTER 9

Expectations Defined

Expectations left unspoken can open the door to mistrust and resentment. Here’s what you should define and clarify.

CHAPTER 10

Lawyering Up

Formalize your partnership with well-structured legal contracts and agreements. Tips to save you time and capital.

CHAPTER 11

Communication

Miscommunication is a partnership killer. Discover ways to be intentional with your cofounder and communicate effectively.

 

CHAPTER 12

Mindset, Expectations & Trust

Building a strong cofoundership takes work. How to navigate the journey with the right perspective.

 

CHAPTER 13

Relating to Employees

The founders of the company need to be a united front. How to be the best leaders for those within your business.

 

CHAPTER 14

Disputes and Disagreements

How to handle challenges within your partnership and come out the other side stronger and more united.

 

CHAPTER 15

Protect Yourself

So you think it might be time to exit your partnership? How to determine whether you can mend it or should end it.

 

CHAPTER 16

How to Start Over by Yourself

How to be a solopreneur and navigate the new chapter in your business without a cofounding partner.

 

CHAPTER 17

Staying Close

The cofounder partnership can be one the most rewarding human experiences. Here’s how to optimize your relationship and make this a reality.

 

The Cofounder’s Handbook

about the author

Tanis is a serial tech entrepreneur and a leading advisor on entrepreneurship and building successful cofounder partnerships. She’s built and exited multiple, data-driven businesses including Trulioo, a billion-dollar “unicorn”, – all with the same partner.

Today, Tanis is one of the go-to voices and experts on the cofounder relationship, advising fast-growing startups and leading venture capitalists. Her work focuses on how cofounders can function in an open, productive, and symbiotic way to ensure continued and long-term business success.

The Cofounder's
handbook
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