In the initial phase, we can only sell to people who trust us. Becoming a co-founder is a big commitment and a challenge to long-term relationships. Why can't i

In the initial phase, we can only sell to people who trust us. Becoming a co-founder is a big commitment and a challenge to long-term relationships. Why can't it be something like, get five customers you know using your product/service. I have been through a bad co-founder divorce and I think it is bad advice that co-founder will increase your success chances. I think the mostly one co-founder gets a free(er) ride. Werner Vogels in his startup school lecture says "Have you seen a group with one head monkey and a leiutenant monkey?"