Here, you can find short content about my projects, founder tips, and world view encapsulated in the articles I wrote for you.
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1. Always create a founders' agreement
If you’re working with a co-founder, don’t skip this step. A founders' agreement is essential to outline what Intellectual Property everyone brings to the table and what each person is responsible for. The last thing you want is someone stepping on your toes and micromanaging in your domain. Keep it simple: at the beginning, you only need a tech founder to kick of the building process and another person to get investment opportunities and potential customers. If you’re good at presenting the product, you can act as a Tech CEO. While a product person can help showcase the startup better, having a full CPO isn’t necessary early on.
My thoughts: A founders' agreement is your safety net. It protects your work and IP and keeps things clear so that everyone knows their place and the startup can run smoothly.
2. Business with friends and family can be tricky
Starting a business with friends or family can seem like a good idea but comes with its own set of challenges. Conversations can easily slip into business talk even outside of work, like during dinner. It’s hard to separate personal and business relationships, which can lead to conflicts.
My thoughts: If you go this route, set boundaries and be prepared for the added emotional load. The trick is to keep personal time sacred and separate from the startup.
3. Always save up 6-12 months of personal runway
Startups often don’t pay founders right away. To avoid financial stress, make sure you have enough savings to cover 6-12 months of living expenses. This way, you can focus on building your business without constant worries about how to make ends meet.
My thoughts: You have to eat, pay your bills, and keep your life steady so that you can work without interruptions. I’ve seen founders go all in, end up eating pasta with ketchup, and complain about how unfair the world is. That’s on them.
4. Don’t try to save your co-founders early on
Sounds a bit harsh, I know, but helping your co-founders financially or stepping in to do their tasks for them is risky. Your focus should be on building the business. Similar to the flight issues; always put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. Avoid co-founders with massive egos and financial problems—they often overpromise, underperform, or give up easily.
My thoughts: This is a business, not a charity. Everyone needs to pull their weight. If someone can’t do their job, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later. Sometimes it's better to do a trial run before before getting together and starting a business. Always do your due diligence.
5. Create a co-founder matrix
Map out each co-founder’s strengths and weaknesses with a co-founder matrix. This helps you see what skills you have as a team and where you need to bring in extra talent. It also helps you understand who is responsible for what.
My thoughts: A balanced team = stronger team. Knowing everyone’s strengths makes it easier to delegate tasks and prevent overlapping responsibilities.
6. Create a founders' goals sheet
Sit down and create a goals sheet with your co-founders. This makes sure everyone is aligned on what they want to achieve. If someone is in it just for fame, lifestyle, or money, that’s a red flag. You need co-founders who share your vision and commitment.
My thoughts: If you have a partner at home, make sure they understand what you’re doing. Being an entrepreneur is hard, and it’s even harder without support. I was lucky to have a partner who was also an entrepreneur. Lack of support can lead to burnout fast.
7. Don’t hire rapidly without understanding the roles
It’s exciting to grow your team, but don’t rush into hiring without a clear understanding of what each person will do. You don’t need employees from day one. If a co-founder is eager to delegate right away, that’s a red flag. The success of a startup relies on founder-led efforts, especially up to Series A.
My thoughts: Every hire should be strategic and add value. Hiring too quickly without a plan can slow you down. Start small, do the work yourself, and make sure any hires are truly necessary.
Final thoughts
Starting a business is thrilling, but without securing yourself first, you’re taking unnecessary risks. Secure domains and handles, and later down the line, secure a trademark. Don’t spend too much time or money on names, patents, or logos early on—there will be time to refine these later. De-risk your situation with solid agreements, personal savings, and aligned goals.
Key takeaway: Build your foundation before scaling. Secure yourself, align with your co-founders, and plan every step. Entrepreneurship is a long journey—start with a solid base, and you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.