Co-Founder in a startup: the choice that can make the difference between success and failure

The choice of a co-founder within a startup can be decisive for the success or failure of a project. In a changing and uncertain context like that of startups, the co-founder plays a key role, influencing not only the strategic direction but also the daily operations and corporate culture, even more so than a startup born in a startup studio.

But how can one identify the right co-founder, and how can this figure impact the fate of a startup?

Startup Bakery: the "startup within a startup studio" model

Before delving into the importance of the co-founder, it is useful to contextualize the organizational model of Startup Bakery, which follows a specific approach to startup creation. We create SaaS solutions, following a structured process that involves the gradual inclusion of a central figure like the co-founder, who will then assume the role of CEO of the new company.

The selection and integration of the co-founder occurs progressively. In the first six months of the startup's life, the co-founder is required to dedicate only 20% of their time to the project, while the core team of Startup Bakery actively works to launch the idea. This gradual entry phase allows the co-founder to adapt to the context without rush, close any previous work commitments, and assimilate the internal dynamics of the Bakery.

This gradual approach not only facilitates a smooth transition for the co-founder but also helps build a solid foundation for future collaboration, without immediate pressures and with the necessary time to assimilate key processes.

The "Bake" phase: the co-founder gets involved

After the first six months, the startup enters the so-called "Bake" phase, where the co-founder becomes fully operational, dedicating 100% of their time to the project. It is the moment when the activities become real, with the co-founder actively contributing to every aspect of the business. Working closely with the team and co-founders of Startup Bakery, the new CEO is continuously supported both strategically and operationally.

This model allows the co-founder to participate in all crucial decisions, but also to receive constant feedback and support, reducing the risk of making fatal mistakes in the early stages of the project. The co-founder is never left alone, but can rely on a network of experts and entrepreneurs to consult with.

The perfect co-founder does not exist

A question we often ask ourselves is: does the perfect co-founder exist? Absolutely not! Every startup is unique, and consequently, the ideal co-founder profile varies based on the type of project and context.

Flexibility, innovation orientation, proactivity, ability to collaborate, and perseverance are some of the qualities we consider essential.

In addition to these soft skills, we positively assess a deep knowledge of the digital world and, of course, a familiarity with SaaS logic, given that our startups mainly operate in this sector. But above all, we place great importance on previous entrepreneurial failures.

We do not see failure as a liability, but as a strength. Those who have tried and failed have often developed strong resilience and great adaptability, fundamental traits for managing difficulties and unforeseen events that every startup inevitably faces. In fact, we believe that candidates who have learned from their mistakes have a more realistic and mature perspective on risk and success.

However, the human component is the most difficult to predict and accurately assess. The ability to trust the people you collaborate with is essential, especially in a challenging context like that of startups. This applies both to the startup studio that is about to "entrust" its solution to an entrepreneur and to the co-founder who must necessarily trust the people around them with whom they will collaborate to achieve success.

For this reason, we never stop at a "simple" selection process. We organize less formal opportunities for discussion, which allow for deepening mutual understanding and exploring the more complex issues that characterize the role of an entrepreneur. These moments are useful both for assessing compatibility and for building that indispensable trust to face the entrepreneurial journey together.

Going far together

At Startup Bakery, we strongly believe that collaboration is the key to success. The first principle of our Values Charter states: "Alone we go faster, together we go further." This philosophy guides all our choices, including the selection process for co-founders. We are convinced that a cohesive team, sharing common values and goals, can face any challenge and lead the startup to success. On the other hand, the lack of collaboration and alignment of vision can lead to places no startup would want to reach.

In conclusion, selecting a co-founder is one of the most important and complex decisions a startup studio must face. We do not have the foolproof recipe for finding the perfect candidate, but we firmly believe that a structured process, gradual integration, and a solid relationship of trust between the parties form the foundation for the successful outcome of the startup. 

Startup Bakery is the Italian startup studio specialized in creating SaaS B2B companies with Artificial Intelligence. We offer aspiring co-founders the opportunity to develop a business idea. We create investment opportunities for professional investors. We help companies in the innovation process.