4 Comments

Very honest thoughts expressed herein. I too prefer the sole co-founder norm better, feasible and practical. No two minds think & work alike; differences are bound to creep in. In serious alliances like startups, you simply can't afford to include ego-clashes and opinion- variances spoil your focus when your basic survival, then growth is at stake. Well said Deepak sir, and rightly too. You won't have inheritance issues later on in life. Well just loved this post. Thank you for this write-up sir.

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Relvent and touch my heart,I feel ,this article is written by core hearted,every word ,every sentence invite experience in own journey πŸ’•πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

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Hi Deepak,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your insightful perspective on the pros and cons of having a co-founder for a Micro Startup. Your detailed analysis based on personal experience is incredibly valuable.

I have carefully considered the points you raised, particularly the challenges and potential friction involved in co-founder partnerships. Your comparison to marriage and the emphasis on the high emotional, social, and financial costs resonate deeply. The analogy of a 50/50 partnership being both highly rewarding and risky is something I hadn't fully appreciated before.

Your examples of successful companies with and without equal co-founders, such as Google with Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and Meta with Mark Zuckerberg, illustrate the diverse paths to success. The cautionary tales about partnerships evolving over time and potentially becoming a source of conflict are eye-opening.

I agree that maintaining freedom and flexibility is paramount, especially in the context of a Micro Startup. Your decision to retain majority control while setting aside equity for employees as the company grows is a pragmatic approach that aligns with my own vision for the future.

The suggestion to consider granting equity to key team members after they have proven their commitment over several years is particularly insightful. It provides a balanced way to recognize and retain talent without the immediate complications of a co-founder relationship.

I appreciate your candidness about the potential pitfalls of partnering with friends or family. Keeping work and personal life separate to avoid unnecessary complications is advice that I will take to heart.

Overall, your experiences and the framework you've shared have given me much to ponder. I am inclined to follow a similar path, focusing on building a strong foundation with a clear vision and maintaining control to ensure the company aligns with my values and goals.

Thank you once again for your thoughtful advice. I look forward to implementing these insights as I continue to develop my Micro Startup.

Best regards,

RAJESH PATRIKE 9422968536

SYSCOM INDIA https://syscom.co.in

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Nice post. Insightful and relevant.

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