How to hire a Technical Cofounder

• You have real signal that the problem is worth solving.
• You are prepared to commit full-time yourself.
• You can articulate the first product bet in one paragraph.

• Own the technical vision and architecture.
• Ship the first version of the product with you.
• Build the technical team over time.
• Represent the technical side to investors and customers.

• Wants to be a cofounder, not a very early employee.
• Has shipped a real product before, ideally at a small company.
• Aligned on values around ambition, honesty, and how conflict is handled.

• Domain expertise in your market.
• Prior founder experience.

• Wants a salary from day one.
• Cannot commit full-time inside three months.
• Sees the equity split as a negotiation to win.

• Your existing network — 90% of successful cofounder matches came from a prior connection, not a directory.
• YC's cofounder matching, EF, On Deck cohorts.
• Angel investors who have written cheques into technical founders.

1. Multiple long conversations across two months on values and vision.
2. A weekend or two-week paid build on a real product slice.
3. A written cofounder agreement covering equity, vesting, roles, and exit.
4. Legal review before you both quit anything.

**Technical Cofounder at [Company]**

I am [your background]. I am building [one-paragraph on the problem, insight, and traction so far]. I am looking for a technical cofounder to build [product] with me.

**What we would build**
[One paragraph on the product bet.]

**What I bring**
[Distribution, domain, capital, sales — whatever you actually bring.]

**What I am looking for**
- Someone who wants to be a cofounder, not an early employee.
- Has shipped a real product before.
- Aligned on ambition, honesty, and how we handle conflict.

**The offer**
- Cofounder equity, split negotiated fairly (typical 60/40 to 50/50).
- Vesting with a cliff, structured together with legal counsel.
- Full-time commitment inside three months.