How to Attract the Right Co-Founder (And Avoid the Wrong Ones) 

Picking the wrong co-founder is like marrying the wrong person, it can destroy everything. The right co-founder, however, can 10x your success. 

Step 1: Identify What You Need 

Great co-founders balance your weaknesses. 

Ask yourself: Do I need a technical expert or a business strategist? 

Am I more of a visionary or an executor? 

What skills or connections am I missing? 

Example: If you’re in the tech space, and you're an expert in app development, your ideal co-founder might be someone with experience in business development and fundraising, like a local entrepreneur who knows the ins and outs of the Lagos startup ecosystem. 

Step 2: Look in the Right Places 

✅ Startup communities (LinkedIn, YC’s co-founder matching, networking events) 

✅ Hackathons & industry conferences 

✅ Your professional circle (former colleagues, university alumni) 

Example: Consider attending events like the Nigeria Startup Week or Techpoint Build in Lagos to meet potential co-founders. 

Step 3: Test Before Committing

Before signing contracts, test your chemistry. Work on a small project together to see if you align. 

❌ Do they disappear when things get tough? 

❌ Are they resistant to feedback? 

✅ Do they solve problems proactively? 

Step 4: Define Roles & Responsibilities 

Prevent future conflict by answering: Who handles what? 

How will we split equity? 

What happens if one of us wants to leave? 

Use a founder’s agreement to make things official. 

Final Thoughts 

Finding the right co-founder is more important than funding. Choose wisely. 

Next Step: Once you have a team, you need structure. Click Here to Read How to Identify Crucial Roles in Your Startup