How to Find the right co-founder for your startup
Building a successful startup is rarely a solo journey. At Dauntless XR, our founding story is proof that the right cofounder (or team) can mean the difference between staying in the “idea” phase and actually building something that lasts. In this post, we share our experiences and best advice on how to find a cofounder, when to bring one on, how to split equity, and why even in the age of AI, human collaboration still matters.
Our journey started at a Houston coffee shop, not a pitch event. Lori-Lee brought a pitch deck to a casual gathering, Sofia was new in town and curious about immersive tech, and the rest is history. We spent hours talking through the vision, challenges, and possibilities.
We share this story and advice we’ve given others (and wished we had ourselves) in our full podcast episode below.
Quick Takeaways: Do You Need a Cofounder?
Most venture-scale startups need cofounders. If you’re building something new and complex, it’s tough to do it alone.
Solo founders work best for niche, expertise-driven businesses. If you’re scaling a course, consultancy, or content platform, you might go it alone—at least at first.
The bigger the vision, the more you need a team. Complementary skills, diverse perspectives, and shared accountability are key.
What Types of Businesses Need a Cofounder?
Not every business needs a founding team, but if you’re aiming for something ambitious—like building new products or business models—having a cofounder is essential.
“You need a cofounder anytime the solo founder doesn’t have all the skills needed to execute on the business. Most of us specialize in one area, so building a team around you is crucial.”
— Lori-Lee
If your goal is to meaningfully solve a big problem or reach a broad market, you’ll likely need a cofounder. On the other hand, if your business is built on your personal expertise and doesn’t require massive scale, you might be fine going solo.
When Is the Right Time to Bring on a Cofounder?
Bring a cofounder on as early as possible—but not before you know what skills you’re missing. The earlier you add diverse perspectives, the better your solutions will be.
“The only sign it’s too early is if you can’t articulate what complementary skills you need. You don’t need a perfect business plan, but you should know your own strengths and what gaps you’re looking to fill.”
— Sofia
How to Split Equity with a Cofounder
Equity is a big topic for any founding team. Here’s our advice:
Avoid a 50/50 split. One person should have majority control to break ties and carry responsibility.
Align equity with contribution and responsibility. Technical cofounders in tech startups should have a significant stake.
Use vesting schedules. Even if you trust your cofounder, vesting keeps everyone committed long-term.
“There’s more paperwork binding us together as cofounders than there is to our spouses. Choose wisely!”
— Lori-Lee
Where to Find a Cofounder
Finding a cofounder is a mix of strategy and serendipity. Here’s what’s worked for us and others in tech:
Founder matching platforms: Like online dating for business partners.
Startup events and pitch nights: Great for meeting people who want to build something.
Co-working spaces and accelerators: Networking hubs for founders and future founders.
Industry events: Especially if you have a sector in mind—meet people with real-world experience.
LinkedIn: More founders are posting “cofounder wanted” opportunities than ever.
And our favorite advice: Talk about your idea! The more you share, the more likely you’ll attract the right collaborator.
How Do You Know You’ve Found the Right Cofounder?
It’s a lot like dating. Look for:
Value alignment: Shared beliefs about work, life, and what matters.
Complementary skills: Opposites attract in business, but shared values keep you together.
Healthy debate: Can you disagree productively? That’s a must for startup life.
“Pay attention to how you feel after working together. Can you debate ideas without it feeling personal? That’s a great sign.”
— Sofia
Can AI Replace a Cofounder?
AI can help solo founders go further, faster—especially with automation and content creation. But it can’t replace the accountability, emotional support, or network that a human cofounder provides (at least not yet!).
“AI doesn’t care if you burn out or lose focus. It doesn’t have a network or take on risk. Human cofounders still matter.”
— Lori-Lee
Final Thoughts
There’s no single right way to find a cofounder, but there are plenty of wrong ones. Know yourself, know what you’re looking for, and be open to serendipity. And if you’re building something big, don’t go it alone.
Have a cofounder story or want to share your experience? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear from you!
Enjoyed these insights from our co-founders? Check out our episode about integrating AI into our startup for more from the Dauntless XR team.
