Does your business need a co-founder or an active co-owner to move forward? Unlike an ordinary investor, a co-founder typically contributes just as much time, skills and commitment as capital.

Short answer: A co-founder or active co-owner comes in as a genuine owner of the business — not just as a financial backer — and is expected to actively contribute to operations, often in an area the current owner lacks themselves (e.g. technical development, sales or management).

When is a co-founder the right solution?

  • You're missing a specific skill, not just capital — e.g. technical development or sales leadership
  • You're willing to share ownership, not just pay for advice or hire someone
  • A long-term, committed involvement is needed — not a time-limited task

Co-founder vs. investor: what's the difference?

An investor typically contributes capital and sparring from the outside, without being part of day-to-day operations. A co-founder or active co-owner, by contrast, is "in the engine room" — it's a far closer relationship, more like a marriage than an investment.

What should you agree on before moving forward?

Ownership stake, division of work, decision-making authority, and — not least — what happens if the partnership doesn't work out. An ownership agreement between multiple owners isn't a formality here, but a necessity before moving forward together.

How do you find the right person?

Be specific in your listing about which skill you're missing, and what you're offering in return — ownership stake, role, and what phase the business is in. The more precise, the easier it is for the right candidate to see themselves in it.

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