I wasn’t always a sole founder.
Earlier in the week I got a call from an old friend who is a senior officer in the army. He had called to inform me that my co-founder at EP (who I hadn’t seen in 8 years) was in town and he wanted to orchestrate a meeting.
Earlier in the week I got a call from an old friend who is a senior officer in the army. He had called to inform me that my co-founder at EP (who I hadn’t seen in 8 years) was in town and he wanted to orchestrate a meeting.
This same officer friend had tried to help us make things work years ago when due to several mis-steps like sentiment based equity allocation (etc) we were on the verge of a breakup.
He eventually left, at great cost to me for his equity, leaving behind a gaping technical (engineering) home.
It was initially rough and tumble, but eventually and shortly after, the business really took off. Good thing he also went on to do well.
It was initially rough and tumble, but eventually and shortly after, the business really took off. Good thing he also went on to do well.
So on Thursday I opted in, and the said meeting happened. I was a little anxious, would we get along? What would i we talk about?
Grateful to note that years have passed and both parties are doing great. I left the re-union with a warm fuzzy feeling of gratitude.
Grateful to note that years have passed and both parties are doing great. I left the re-union with a warm fuzzy feeling of gratitude.
Having had a rocky split with my cofounder I respect all (our) founders that make their co-founder relationship work. It ain’t easy.
This reunion forced me to reflect on a few lessons from this experience;
1. Set sentiments aside when allocating equity. Be practical about it.
1. Set sentiments aside when allocating equity. Be practical about it.
2. Have very clear responsibility allocation and performance expectations from each other.
3. Ensure that the power dynamics and respective scope of authority is clear to other non-founder members of the team.
4. Agree in advance on a protocol for disagreements and other things that will create friction on the way.
5. Adopt full transparency on all matters (financial and non financial)
6. Test for alignment of long-term; purpose, values and vision.
6. Ensure there is home support for your partnership and try to build rapport amongst your both families (spouses especially). Their opinion matters heavily.
Today I am grateful for my current and previous; partners and senior leadership that joined the journey to make the load lighter across all our ventures. 🙏🏿👊🏿 
A side note; in those early days besides wanting to be a “platform” for other people to achieve their dreams we both wanted Porsche’s.
On Thursday evening we traded “virtual receipts” of even greater material and non material accomplishments. 🤓✌🏿
On Thursday evening we traded “virtual receipts” of even greater material and non material accomplishments. 🤓✌🏿
*Hole*
