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 foundingidea-validator- Validate idea togetherexecution-accelerator- Make the decision
For complete assessment matrices, reference questions, agreement checklist, output templates, and common mistakes, see: references/full-guide.md