Starting a business is often seen as the work of one person working alone, facing big challenges. But while this is a popular idea, is it the best way to build a successful company?

The journey of an entrepreneur is known to be very difficult, filled with problems that test your ability to keep going, your creativity, and your belief in your ideas. Facing this alone can be a big disadvantage. So, what does the data show about sharing the work? Let's look at the numbers behind having CoFounders.

The Power in Numbers: CoFounders and Success

One of the strongest arguments for finding a CoFounder comes from a detailed, decade long study of over 300 companies. The study showed a big difference: founding teams with more than one member performed better than solo founders by a surprising 163% (First Round Capital, 2015).

Why is there such a big difference?

• Faster Growth: Teams are often more productive. They can share and improve ideas, divide the work, and hold each other responsible. This often leads to growing faster and quicker problem solving.

• More Capital: Startups with CoFounders usually raise a lot more investment. A team shows a more complete picture to investors, with a wider range of skills, and reduces the risk of depending on one person.

• Moral Support: The path of an entrepreneur has big highs and lows. Facing challenges together with a partner who understands the pressure is very important for not giving up.

The Warning: The Importance of the Right Partner

While the benefits are clear, there is an important thing to think about. CoFounder conflict is one of the main reasons for startup failure. According to research made popular by Harvard Business School professor Noam Wasserman, as many as 65% of startups that fail do so because of problems between the people on the founding team (as cited in Entrepreneur, 2021).

This is more than just arguments about the business plan. It can be about how hard people work, their vision, or how they handle pressure. It shows that finding a CoFounder is not just about filling a job; it is about finding a partner you can work well with for an important, long term business relationship.

The Perfect Match Is Not a Mirror Image

So, what makes a founding team work well? The evidence suggests complementary skills. While it may feel safe to team up with someone like you, startups do better with a mix of different skills.

A classic successful pairing is one person with technical skills to build the product and another with business skills to market and sell it. This ensures all the important jobs are done from day one. You do not need to be lifelong friends; you need to have mutual respect and skills that complete each other.

Finding Your CoFounder in the Modern Age

In the past, a CoFounder was probably a friend from university or someone you worked with before. Today, that is not the only way.

The data is clear: starting with a CoFounder can greatly increase your chances of success. The key is to be careful when making the decision. It is about finding someone who is strong where you are weak, who shares your vision, and who has the strength to continue the journey with you. Your CoFounder is your first and most important team member.

Choosing wisely is the most important step. That's why platforms like the OnlyFounders App focus on connecting founders based on shared values and complementary expertise, making the search less about chance and more about a strategic fit.