Today, startup business has become a growing trend in Nigeria and shall continue to expand due to obvious reason.
Meanwhile, most investors prefer that a startup should have co-founders as good criteria to ensure solid management of the business.
Therefore, it is imperative that as an initiator of the business you need to understand what traits a potential co-founder should possess.
GrassRoots.ng brings to you the things you should look out for.
1. Complementary strengths
Recognizing your strengths makes it easy to define your roles in the partnership, and that definition makes it easier to hold one another accountable as the business grows. When you run into difficulties in making a decision, it’s nice to have someone who can see things from a fresh perspective. You’ll challenge each other to consider things you wouldn’t normally see on your own.
2. A thirst for knowledge
The concept of constant improvement is a strong value to have.The people best suited for startup life are the ones ready to learn more and take the business beyond what either thought was possible.
3. Shared passion
A co-founder who brings a financial investment is terrific — and might be the one thing you need to get a startup off the ground. But, even more important — and hard to find — is a co-founder who recognizes your drive, mission and passion, and shares it.
You’re starting a business for a reason, and uniting over a common interest is a typical way for two founders to come together.
Before you jump into business with someone else, make sure the person you’re working with is committed to the same core values. It’s costly to give up a percentage of your company to someone who quickly loses interest.
4. Adaptability
You also want to find a co-founder who isn’t above handling the small tasks that need to be dealt with. This person should have the drive to push the company forward, but the humility to know that sometimes there’ll be a need to answer phones and empty garbage cans — and to smile while doing those tasks.
5. Serious energy
Growth, scaling and survival will eat at your energy stores. When you’re all but tapped out and running on fumes, you want a co-founder with energy to spare who can pick you up and get you motivated to keep running.
6. Integrity and honesty
Find someone who is honest. Communicate up-front that there is an expectation for 100 percent honesty at all times — no exceptions. Remember, finding the right partner isn’t just about skills: It’s also about character.
7. Emotional stability
Emotional stability involves the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. Every owner needs to be able to maintain her cool in the face of the rough times that are common in the startup environment.
(Note: this article was first published by entrepreneur.com)