In this episode of the Founder Problems Podcast, Lee Zuvanich, Sarah Schumacher, and Zach Oshinbanjo discuss the difficult task of vetting potential co-founders. Sharing personal misadventures and cautionary tales, they stress the importance of thorough due diligence with practical tips like working together on a trial basis, ensuring aligned values, and the critical need for trust and integrity. Spoiler alert: A mutual love for scotch or golden doodles isn't quite enough to seal the deal.

Timestamps:

00:12 Personal Experiences and Perspectives

01:03 The Importance of Due Diligence

01:59 Building Trust and Relationships

02:29 Practical Approaches to Vetting

04:38 Challenges and Ethical Considerations

13:57 Networking and References

15:48 Navigating Skepticism and Synergy

16:54 The Leap of Faith in Business

17:57 Defining Roles and Accountability

19:01 The Importance of Integrity

21:38 Money Matters in Partnerships

25:27 Balancing Passion and Compensation

27:19 Evaluating Potential Partners

30:26 Tools and Tactics for Success

31:18 Wrapping Up: Founder Problems

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Y Combinator Cofounder Matching Platform

Founder Problems is a podcast by and for real-world, fed-up founders. Three entrepreneurs in the messy middle share hot takes, actionable steps, and resources to navigate the challenges of running a business—no promises of 10x growth or swooning investors. Every founder’s journey is different, so take what works and make it your own.

Learn more at founderproblems.com.