Gust

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10 Key Traits Of An Ideal Entrepreneur Partner

Gust

A while back I talked about how and where to find a co-founder in “ For a Startup, Two Heads are Always Better Than One ”. The feedback was good, but some readers asked me to be a bit more specific on attributes that might indicate an ideal startup partner. You may be too independent to be partner material. Level of integrity.

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Entrepreneurs: Don’t Quit Your Real Job Too Early

Gust

Otherwise, I suggest that founders be up-front with their employers, with an honest commitment that the “side” work on the potential startup will not jeopardize committed results. In a part-time effort, a co-founder is essential to keeping you on-track and working. Pick a day and time per week where you always work together.

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Gust Blog - Thoughts on startups by investors that fund them

Gust

Tim Berry , Founder, Palo Alto Software. Martin Zwilling , Founder and CEO, Startup Professionals. Tim Berry , Founder, Palo Alto Software. Martin Zwilling , Founder and CEO, Startup Professionals. Tim Berry , Founder, Palo Alto Software. Martin Zwilling , Founder and CEO, Startup Professionals. I like that.

Startup 180
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A Startup Advisory Board Dream Team is Priceless

Gust

Every startup faces a myriad of challenges that are well beyond the scope of any founder, so you need a few guiding lights to illuminate the road ahead. Potential to meet new partners, customers, and friends. These should be carefully selected, with a proven track record, willing and available to help, and be completely trustworthy.

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10 C-Level Positions That Are Red Flags For Funding

Gust

It’s your startup, so you can give early partners any title you want, but be aware of potential investor and peer implications. In a startup, that’s your job as founder, and it’s a job you can’t afford to delegate. Image via Wikimedia Commons. More executives, or other more creative titles are seen as a big red flag.

CTO Hire 171
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For a Startup, Two Heads are Always Better Than One

Gust

If you are a first-time entrepreneur, I recommend that you team with a co-founder with experiences, connections, and a skill set that complements, but doesn’t duplicate yours. Even experienced entrepreneurs need a partner to back up each other and improve fundability. The question is how to find that elusive perfect-fit partner.

Cofounder 170
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Founder’s Stock Is Gold, If You Know The Rules

Gust

Even though the class is common stock, Founders can negotiate special vesting and other terms as part of their stock restriction agreement upon venture investment. Here are some typical special terms and considerations for Founder’s stock: Negligible real value. Vesting always stops when an employee leaves the company.

Stock 175