Loading...
Answers
MenuI have a business idea that I want to bring to life and am looking for collaborators to partner with. Where can I meet them (on/offline)?
Where can I meet like-minded people interested in solving the same problems as me?
Answers
I've met co-founders and team members through participating in Startup Weekend evens. (The last two companies I sold were started at startup weekends!) But, I generally recommend participating in others groups or pitching different ideas than you're trying to find a co-founder for.
Another great resource is FounderDating.com Just remember, don't think of it as speed dating... Think of it as Match.com and trying to find a lifelong partner.
Under certain circumstances, I and some of my colleagues would be looking for joint ventures. But what we'd bring to the table specifically would be online property – i.e. domain names. That would require a very compelling project, though, and a coherent business plan.
I realize that's not quite what you're asking for. But there's a 10% chance it may be relevant to your business idea – or to someone else in a similar position.
Personally, I'm also on the lookout for interesting projects where I could act as a minor partner, contributing branding help, copy, and perhaps legwork. I'll be rolling out a few collaborative projects like that with other primary entrepreneurs in the next couple of years.
Again, that's probably not an exact fit for you. But you asked about places to meet collaborators, and one such place is right here.
Over the years as a lawyer and a business consultant, and recently in my new role as the VP business Development of a software dev shop I have met a lot of entrepreneurs with the same questions.
The answer of where to find your co-founder depends on who you are, what you are looking for and what is your business idea.
In order to find a good co-founder FOR YOU - you need to start with good chemistry between the two of you.
Seconly, you will need someone who can complete you. Ask yourself what will be your job in the new venture?
What strengths do you have and what qualities experience and capabilities you will want your co-founder to have.
Start with you friends and see if one (or more) of them can be your co-founder. It will - in most cases - be your safest bet.
Good luck!
LinkedIn.com.
You can search for the skills, profiles you are looking for and connect with them. You can communicate and see if they are as excited about your business idea as you are. Most people like to take things forward on the phone and in-person meeting later. I consider it the best and most efficient channel today.
My local meetup groups have been key to my success in connecting with others who have similar interests. I also say "yes" to networking groups and fundraisers that are outside what I would normally attend. I do this to create diversity within my network so I benefit from new perspectives. For example, a "Fancy Hat Ladies Tea" fundraiser that supports a dog shelter may be outside the tech industry, but I benefit in forming new connections, plus I gain valuable info on how to help my two clients who serve dog owners. One client operates a local dog boarding/grooming business and the other is a boutique store with locations on the Las Vegas Strip and the Town Square mall.
Related Questions
-
What is a better title for a startup head....Founder or CEO? Are there any pros/cons to certain titles?
The previous answers given here are great, but I've copied a trick from legendary investor Monish Pabrai that I've used in previous startups that seems to work wonders -- especially if your company does direct B2B sales. Many Founders/ CEOs are hung up on having the Founder/ CEO/ President title. As others have mentioned, those titles have become somewhat devalued in today's world -- especially if you are in a sales meeting with a large organization. Many purchasing agents at large organizations are bombarded by Founders/ CEOs/ Presidents visiting them all day. This conveys the image that a) your company is relatively small (the CEO of GM never personally sells you a car) and b) you are probably the most knowledgeable person in the organization about your product, but once you land the account the client company will mostly be dealing with newly hired second level staff. Monish recommends that Founder/ CEOs hand out a business card that has the title "Head of Sales" or "VP of Sales". By working in the Head of Sales role, and by your ability to speak knowledgeably about the product, you will convey the message that a) every person in the organization is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the product (even the sales guys) and b) you will personally be available to answer the client's questions over the long run. I've used this effectively many times myself.VR
-
What is your advice for building a team of like-minded individuals to help start your business?
I'm a feelance CFO and I work actively with early stage companies. I've been at this for almost 30 years. Some of my current and recent clients wrestle actively with this very questions. My advice is to have the tough conversations right up front, early in the team building process. This usually consists of answering questions like, "who's in charge and what does that really mean," "who gets how much of the company and when and in exchange for what," "what are you, you and you really bringing to the table in terms of skills and cash," and "who is really in a life situation that will allow them to sustain their commitment to the business?" Any team that can get through these questions can get through the trials of surviving startup. I'm happy to talk with you directly about these issues and, in particular, to help look at them through a strategic financial planning lens.HD
-
How do you determine if a business idea is worth pursuing?
You ask the customers, and gauge their level of interest. Better yet, get yourself in front of some customers, and instead of telling them what you make or do, ask them what they need. When you notice that many of them need the same thing, and if it is something you can make or provide, you then have a business idea worth pursing.DF
-
Fact or Fiction? You NEED side a job when creating a business because there is no way to make money for 6-12 months
A startup is in essence the "art" of juggling. Of course you need some sort of "income" to pay for rent, food while your startup or business begins to generate cash flow. Ideally you should have at least 6 months of saving, sufficient time to give you a clear outlook of what will happen with your business. But some businesses start generating cash liquidity at faster pace. What is definetely certain is that you will need "leverage" in order to get your business started: savings, past clients, loans, investor capital, or even grants. Happy to jump on call and explore more :)HJ
-
How can I smoothly transition from full time worker to self-employment?
The ways I've done this in the past are 1) Find some customers that are willing to hire you (or your product) but know that you'll only be free nights & weekends to support/work with them. 2) Find a "partner" (co-founder or other) that's got a flexible schedule that can help build the business while you're at work. 3) Block out nights, mornings and weekends to build the business till you have enough orders to cover 50% of your salary. This might mean 7pm-11pm most nights, and 4 hours each day Sat & Sun. Make progress (sales $$$) and momentum. All that being said, it's risk reward. Sounds like you want to avoid taken the risk, and I get that .. but the upside is always smaller. Unless you put yourself in a position to have to succeed (ex: quitting your job) then you may never make the scary decisions that are required to build a company (like cold calling, going in debt, making a presentation, etc). I'm on company #5 with many other side projects started nights & weekends .. so I get it - but don't be afraid to bet on yourself and go all in.DM
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.