Pick a Co-founder Like James Bond
Choose co-founders who are smart, tough, and calm under pressure.
Explanation
Paul Graham's advice on co-founder qualities: smart (can solve hard problems), tough (won't give up when things get difficult), and calm (makes good decisions under stress). Most successful startups have 2-3 co-founders. Solo founders struggle because startups are emotionally and technically demanding. Bad co-founder relationships kill more startups than bad markets.
Real-World Example
Google's Larry Page and Sergey Brin complemented each other's strengths. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and his early co-founders balanced technical and business skills. PayPal's founders were a strong team that went on to start multiple successful companies (the 'PayPal Mafia'). Avoid co-founding with friends who lack relevant skills just because you get along.
How to Apply
Evaluate potential co-founders on all three traits, not just intelligence or friendship. Work together on a small project first to test compatibility under stress. Define roles and equity splits early and clearly. Have tough conversations now—they don't get easier later. If solo, spend extra effort on advisor relationships and emotional support systems.