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🚀 YC's Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Co-founder Y Combinator treats the co-founder relationship as a 10-year business marriage. Getting this decision right is one of the most critical factors for startup success. The Non-Negotiable Core Criteria Forget skills for a moment-prioritize these character traits: * Stress Management: The #1 most important thing is knowing how they handle stress and pressure, and how well you handle it together. * Exceptional Capability: Are they extremely smart and effective? Ask: "Will this person start a successful company with or without me?" The bar must be exceptionally high. * Genuine Compatibility: You must genuinely enjoy spending time with them. If you wouldn't choose to hang out with them outside of work, they are likely not the right fit. * Full Alignment: The startup must be the #1 priority for everyone. Ensure your goals, values, and life situations (especially financial runway) are aligned. The "Complementary Skills" Trap * Skills are secondary. The common advice to seek "complementary skills" is often oversimplified and can be bad advice. * Capability over Skillset. As a founder, your job will change every six months. It is better to have an exceptionally smart person who can learn what is needed than someone with a specific skill who lacks the core capabilities. How to Find Them * The Best Source: Someone you have known for a long time (former colleague, classmate, or friend) whose character and work ethic are already tested. * The Test: Always work on a small, non-binding project together first to test compatibility and working style. * YC Matching: Platforms like YC Co-Founder Matching can help if your immediate network fails, but still require rigorous vetting. The Must-Have Conversation Before you commit, resolve these issues in writing: * Equity Split * Roles & Titles (Who is the CEO?) * Willingness to Pivot (Are they only attached to the current idea?) * Financial Runway (How long can each person work for free?)