Startups and Polygamy

I’m 18 and I’m in a polygamous relationship with three other individuals.

You guessed right. I’m working on a startup. And how did you know that? Because everyone and their mother who’s been in a startup will tell you that when you decide to start a company with someone, you’re married to them. I know, I know. Every single “10-Things-to-Know-Before-Starting-a-Startup” article you’ve already read will tell you the exact same thing. Having a Co-Founder is like being married. It's like being married with children. 

Choose your cofounder as if your life depends on it– because it will. Seriously. And not just your life. But your startup’s life, too. Let’s face the facts, now. Your startup is your life, it’s your child. And it’s you and your cofounder’s job to raise that child to be awesome and perfect and everything you’ve ever wanted your child to grow up to be.

Do you want to be driven to insanity? No. Choose a great cofounder. Do you want to spend unnecessary time squabbling over insignificant issues? No. Choose a great cofounder. Your startup is your child, raise it right. How much time do you spend with your family? Your friends? Picture the accumulation of time that you spend surfing Facebook, Twitter and Instagram combined. Visualize all the time you spend staring at the wall, picturing your inevitably successful future. Now add all that up. That’s roughly the amount of time you spend with your cofounder or cofounders. Weekdays, weekends, daytime, nighttime, conference calls, face time, group text, Facebook Chat and telepathically. No matter how you slice it, you will be in constant contact with your cofounder or, in my case, cofounders.

Sometimes, you get lucky. We got lucky. Two of my cofounders and I were not actively seeking or even thinking about bringing on a technical cofounder to our team. We thought we would figure it out ourselves (probably a dumb idea). One day, a mentor introduced us to Arman, our soon-to-be cofounder. He originally was mentoring us and helping us out with the technology side of things. He ended up working with us so much that we brought him on as a cofounder! Sometimes, you get lucky.

And sometimes, you have to go out and find that person who will complete your puzzle! Whatever the case, just remember: choose your cofounder as if your life depends on it– because it will.

Fun, random and awesome side note: Today, you can find my cofounders and I on the box of Social Life Pizza and in the near future, you can find us on Kickstarter!

What is your relationship like with your CoFounder(s)? Is this true for you? Comment below!