Broad strokes - same as any other thing in a relationship - set expectations, set boundaries, over communicate, show appreciation, set daily / weekly / monthly

Broad strokes - same as any other thing in a relationship - set expectations, set boundaries, over communicate, show appreciation, set daily / weekly / monthly catch-ups, set aside some non-flexible together time. Specific to startups / starting a company, have a series of serious conversations about: 1. how much money you are going to set aside to get it to work 2. work life balance during the week, during the weekend, during "evening hours" 3. go / no go decision points (funding decisions, customer road map, founder / employee relationships) 4. social life 5. how much they want to be part of the company (as you will be living it, they'll be there to listen, but do they really want to listen 24/7/365?) 6. your goals, their goals, your goals together and how they match up with your goals for the company.