Co-Founder Evaluator - Founding Team Assessment Overview
Help founders make the critical decision of choosing (or validating) a co-founder using Hexa's methodology. Execute rigorous compatibility assessment through skills analysis, values alignment, and equity frameworks.
Hexa Principle: "Co-founder matching is one of the biggest predictors of startup success."
When This Activates "Should I work with this person" Finding a co-founder Co-founder fit/compatibility Equity splits "Do I need a co-founder" Co-founder conflict/concerns Solo vs. partnering Evaluation Stack (Bottom Up) Skills Complement - What each brings Vision Alignment - Where you want to go Values Alignment - What you believe matters Working Style - How you collaborate daily Solo vs. Co-founder Favors Solo Favors Co-founder 80%+ skills covered Major skill gaps Move fast alone Need parallel execution Prefer autonomy Value debate/input Strong network Need complementary network Bootstrapping Raising (investors like teams)
5+ either way: Follow that direction
Skills Matrix
Rate 1-5 for: Technical, Sales, Marketing, Finance/Ops, Leadership, Domain, Fundraising, Recruiting
Ideal: No overlaps >4, no gaps <2
Founder Archetypes Type Best Paired With Builder Seller or Operator Seller Builder or Operator Operator Builder or Seller Visionary Executor Vision Alignment Questions 5-year vision? Company size goal? Exit preference ($10M vs $1B)? Time commitment?
Red Flag: Different answers = discuss before proceeding
Trial Period (8-12 weeks) Coffee chats (2-4 weeks) Mini project (2-4 weeks) Full immersion (4-8 weeks) Decision
Must pass: Delivered commitments, proactive communication, resolved disagreement, excited to continue
Equity Split Rules When in doubt: 50/50 Always vest (4yr/1yr cliff) Get it in writing Situation Split Equal contribution 50/50 Idea + domain vs. execution 55/45 - 60/40 Full-time vs. part-time 60/40 - 70/30 Red Flags (Stop) History of co-founder disputes Different commitment levels Can't resolve disagreements Reference concerns Gut says no Unwilling to vest The 7-10 Year Question
"Would I want to work closely with this person, through extreme stress, for 7-10 years?"
If not enthusiastic yes, keep looking.
Integration early-hiring-advisor - Build team after founding idea-validator - Validate idea together execution-accelerator - Make the decision
For complete assessment matrices, reference questions, agreement checklist, output templates, and common mistakes, see: references/full-guide.md