Identifying the right co-founder

The traits that actually predict a good co-founder are less about resume and more about how someone behaves when things go sideways.

Do they tell you the truth when it costs them something

Anyone can be honest when honesty is easy. Watch for whether they'll tell you your idea is weak, or that they missed a deadline, before you find out on your own.

Do they want credit or do they want the company to win

The best partnerships I've watched have an almost boring lack of ego about who gets the win, because both people are more invested in the outcome than the story.

Do their skills cover what yours don't

A second version of you is a comfortable choice and a common mistake. Look for the gap you know you have, not the person who agrees with you fastest.

Can they handle being disagreed with

Not just tolerate it, actually update their thinking sometimes. A co-founder who needs to be right in every conversation will cost you more than their contributions are worth.

Would you trust them with bad news at 11pm

This one sounds soft. It isn't. The moments that actually test a co-founder relationship are rarely the good ones.

If you already have a co-founder and want an honest read on where the partnership stands, that's what the Co-Founder Alignment Sprint does.