To all Cofounders, this one’s for you
Hundreds of interviews and decades of experience, all in one place.
Why this book
Written by a cofounder
Built from lived partnership experience.
Founder interviews
Hundreds of interviews from those who’ve been there.
Practical, not theoretical
Frameworks you can use immediately.
For every stage
From should you, to wrapping it up.
The partnership is the part nobody prepares you for.
Founders get plenty of advice about product, funding and hiring. Far less is written about the relationship the whole company rests on.
The Cofounder’s Handbook treats the partnership as something you can design on purpose—choosing well, agreeing clearly and revisiting decisions as the company changes.
It is a working guide, not a theory book. Every chapter ends with something you can act on with your cofounder.
Who it is for
- Founders who are still choosing a cofounder and want to choose well.
- New teams putting equity, roles and expectations on paper for the first time.
- Established teams whose original agreements no longer match the company.
- Solo founders deciding whether a partnership is right for them at all.
Book Chapters
Prologue
The Impact of One Decision
Do you need a Cofounder? Points to think about when deciding whether to go it alone or with a partner.
Chapter 1
The Cofounder Debate
The pros and cons of a partnership, reasons NOT to have a cofounder, and alternatives to bringing on a partner.
Chapter 2
Do an Honest Self-Evaluation
In order to be the best partner you can be, first evaluate who you are and what you bring to the table.
Chapter 3
Time for the Pitch
What to pull together when you are ready to approach potential candidates for your cofounder position.
Chapter 4
Where to Find Your Cofounder
Based on the origin stories of many founders, here’s an extensive list of where you can find the perfect cofounder.
Chapter 5
P.I.K.E.
How to tell if someone has what it takes to join a cofoundership. How to measure Passion, Interest, Knowledge, and Excitement.
Chapter 6
Assessing Potential Cofounders
How to assess the skills, talents, and experience of your potential cofounder and why it is important.
Chapter 7
It's Time for “The Talk”
Are you ready to ask the hard questions? The essential conversations you must have when you are in a partnership.
Chapter 8
Factors to Consider
Skills and talents may not be enough to build a strong partnership. Here’s a list of other factors you should think about.
Chapter 9
Expectations Defined
Expectations left unspoken can open the door to mistrust and resentment. Here’s what you should define and clarify.
Chapter 10
Lawyering Up
Formalize your partnership with well-structured legal contracts and agreements. Tips to save you time and capital.
Chapter 11
Communication
Miscommunication is a partnership killer. Discover ways to be intentional with your cofounder and communicate effectively.
Chapter 12
Mindset, Expectations & Trust
Building a strong cofoundership takes work. How to navigate the journey with the right perspective.
Chapter 13
Relating to Employees
The founders of the company need to be a united front. How to be the best leaders for those within your business.
Chapter 14
Disputes and Disagreements
How to handle challenges within your partnership and come out the other side stronger and more united.
Chapter 15
Protect Yourself
So you think it might be time to exit your partnership? How to determine whether you can mend it or should end it.
Chapter 16
How to Start Over by Yourself
How to be a solopreneur and navigate the new chapter in your business without a cofounding partner.
Chapter 17
Staying Close
The cofounder partnership can be one the most rewarding human experiences. Here’s how to optimize your relationship and make this a reality.
What you can put to work
- 01
Cofounder conversation guides
Structured prompts for the discussions founders tend to avoid.
- 02
Equity and role frameworks
Ways to think through split, ownership and responsibility.
- 03
Agreement checklists
What belongs in writing before it becomes a disagreement.
- 04
Warning signs and repair
How to recognise drift early and what to do about it.
What readers say
Yikes! I've really taken my partnership for granted. I'm learning firsthand what happens when you don't put in the work to keep it strong. Thanks for writing this book, it's been really helpful!
I never thought much about my partnership and the impact it can make on my business. This book has really opened my eyes!
There is so much to unpack in this book but I've been working through it chapter by chapter. I'm already seeing progress in my partnership.
I've been looking for a business partner for my already existing business and I'm not going to lie, its been difficult. I appreciate the tips and suggestions that this guide offers.
Review 1 of 4
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Hi, I’m Tanis Jorge.
I’m a serial tech entrepreneur and advisor to founders. I built and exited multiple technology companies with the same cofounder, so I understand both the strength of a great partnership and the work it takes to keep one strong.
Today, I help founders build healthier, more productive cofounder partnerships. I also advise fast-growing startups and venture capital firms on the issues that can strengthen—or strain—the relationship behind the business.
My work focuses on the conversations, agreements and habits that help cofounders work openly, make better decisions and stay aligned as the company grows.
Strengthen the partnership behind the business.
Join founders receiving practical cofounder guidance, new insights and updates.