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Interesting take, thanks for taking the time to post it. Maybe it is me, I'm trying to sort that out. We would both be part time, however I'm building the prod

by jfdi 15y ago

Interesting take, thanks for taking the time to post it. Maybe it is me, I'm trying to sort that out. We would both be part time, however I'm building the product from scratch - so my hours/week is about 30-40 (with another full time job), whereas he might find a way to fill that much time but it's highly doubtable given no product touch. He'd be researching ways to market it and really come into his own once we have shipped, but then again, so would I as the company's CEO. I've already built the alpha solo, it's pretty cool but has a way to go yet until it's really shippable. I see the value of the marketing co-founder in the mid-long term, but more as a glue and access to his network of engineers. In the immediate term, the term that makes or breaks the company, we either build the product and ship or we don't, and his role in that is limited to giving and perhaps managing feedback. That's the rub for me - 45% (or 30%) at this point is challenging for me to get comfortable with... After reading this extra context, you still think I need to check myself here? Again, thanks.

ohashi 15y ago
I get the distinct impression you don't want a cofounder. You seem keen on having engineers, not this guy. You imagine this guy as a conduit to engineers. You don't think he's going to add value anytime soon. I don't think you're going to be able to work around these issues personally. You won't be happy with what he's bringing to the table and I suspect he will be unhappy given your perception of him. I don't think there is a right or wrong here, it's going to be about what you're comfortable with and what he is comfortable with and finding a balance if he's going to cofound with you. To me it sounds more like you want another engineer or two, why not just skip business person and get them as cofounders. I know you mentioned difficulty finding them, but partnering with someone who doesn't help you (in reality or in your head) isn't a step forward.
sawyer 15y ago
Yeah, it sounds to me like this person isn't the right fit for you. My initial reaction to the fact that you've already gotten the project rolling is that you'll want more than a 50% share in the resulting company, but you should find someone who you want to share the other 30-40% with who will actually help bring the product to market. If you create something people love it won't be difficult to market when the time comes.

by jfdi 15y ago

ohashi 15y ago

I get the distinct impression you don't want a cofounder. You seem keen on having engineers, not this guy. You imagine this guy as a conduit to engineers. You don't think he's going to add value anytime soon. I don't think you're going to be able to work around these issues personally. You won't be happy with what he's bringing to the table and I suspect he will be unhappy given your perception of him. I don't think there is a right or wrong here, it's going to be about what you're comfortable with and what he is comfortable with and finding a balance if he's going to cofound with you. To me it sounds more like you want another engineer or two, why not just skip business person and get them as cofounders. I know you mentioned difficulty finding them, but partnering with someone who doesn't help you (in reality or in your head) isn't a step forward.

sawyer 15y ago

Yeah, it sounds to me like this person isn't the right fit for you. My initial reaction to the fact that you've already gotten the project rolling is that you'll want more than a 50% share in the resulting company, but you should find someone who you want to share the other 30-40% with who will actually help bring the product to market. If you create something people love it won't be difficult to market when the time comes.