Founding with friends, yay or nay? 🤔

Well, I saw a similar discussion today on X. I think co-founder relationship is really like marriage. If you can't confront each other, discuss through problems, find common ground, the company sinks. The OpenAI saga did teach us a bit about that. Friends are great to have as cofounders but there will be rough patches to deal with.

I have been building a startup with a school friend of mine. We are both 27 years old now, marking 12 years of friendship. Here are my thoughts and experiences on building a startup with a childhood friend, who happens to be quite the nerd :) When I was a child, I often wondered what my friends and I would become in the future. We used to mimic and imagine our future careers during our playful times. Now, imagine living out those childhood dreams. Starting a startup with a friend can be an incredible experience, watching each other grow, and launching a business together, reminiscent of the days spent playing in the playground. The 'playgrounds' of our lives change over time. Initially, our playground was the field where we played cricket. Then, it evolved into the computer, where the internet inspired us to build something new. In college, we transformed from boys to men, laying the groundwork for our future endeavors. Now, as we start earning and recognizing our talents, I realize how fortunate I am to have my genius friend by my side. Together, we can build an empire, a testament to our surreal and enduring bond. However, it's essential to understand that the relationship between founders who are friends must be mature and sincere. Every day, we must work with the same motivation that we had as children going to the playground, supporting each other to succeed, whether in sports or in business, and maintaining mutual respect. In conclusion, I believe that long-term friendships are worth investing in, especially in a startup context. Such relationships have already endured ups and downs, forming a strong bond that is crucial in co-founding a business.

Hi Bren, this is a great and complicated question. Typically, I've found all my success partnering with people who compliment my skillset and personality. And most of the time, I don't find that within my circle of friends, it's always a professional link. There's just something nice about having this padding between work and personal life, there's no baggage, you can just hit the idea running without any history—good or bad. Plus, they will open up new circles you haven't been part of yet. Now, if you happen to have a great friend who you click with and compliments you, I would be open to exploring it....but, how many great founding partnerships end up 20 years later with friends as founders? They typically go 💥 so proceed with caution....hope this helps!

The answer is: It depends. Sometimes it works really well but other times it can be a disaster. Choose wisely as it can destroy a friendship. I've had success with starting a few businesses with my friend. Its like a marriage but we both are aligned with the long term goal. We're both hard workers and both see eye to eye on a lot of things. This has been quite beneficial in skyrocketing and building our brand. 2 head are better than one!

If you want to lose a friend, then this is a really cool idea. I would never start a business with a friend or relative. Sooner or later, you will have a fight. But maybe this isn't a rule and is simply explained by my negative experience.

My experience (founded with friend) If starting company with friends, be clear about these things from day 0 - Role & responsibility - Commitment (how much time willing to spend) - Finance (Revenue sharing, investment etc.) If friends can find a company together and everything is clear, nothing is better than this combo. Because you know each other really well, there is no trust issue and the above points are clear from the beginning. The best thing can ever happen.

Avoid doing business with friends, because simple either friends or businesses mates, both doesn't work together

You have to decide; friend or colleague. If friend, then you end up making poor decisions for sake of friendship. If colleague, then friendship take a backseat

I think find the right people is more important :) Whether they are friends or not

I am doing my business with my best friend, my brother and we have great chemistry!

yay!!

I think if I trust him/her so much, I prefer to invest my money to his company but I do not want highly involved.

I think we should do business alone

yay!!

Just go for it!

Depends upon what kind of nature do they possess?

@brenkinfa , I would suggest not to go for it,as the business world is not what we envision in the beginning.

With really close friends, I don't its a smart idea. The best option, in my opinion, is someone who is enough of a friend so you understand their character and history, and that, at the same time, complements your personality and abilities.

yay :)