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Ask HN: How do you find cofounders?
7 points by bmd3991 2040 days ago
I'm a software guy that comes up with a lot of ideas that involve physical products. It would often be helpful if I knew an electrical engineer, or someone more in-tune with that space. I know that typically it's best to have someone that you already know - but I don't have someone like that.
2 comments

I swear we should just pin this question to the top of Ask HN, it comes up so often.

I am not a founder (IANAF), but the general consensus seems to be you should become active in the space you want to found a company in. Attend workshops, take classes, go to meet-ups, events, conferences. Learn from and meet people interested in the same things you are, and eventually you will start to develop a network of talented people who could become potential co-founders or early employees.

As in all things worth doing, this will take time. But, it is likely to lead to a better result than you starting a company with the first person you meet that has the skills you need.

> the general consensus seems to be you should become active in the space you want to found a company in. Attend workshops, take classes, go to meet-ups, events, conferences. Learn from and meet people interested in the same things you are, and eventually you will start to develop a network of talented people who could become potential co-founders or early employees.

Thanks, I have written that down now

I met my co-founder through a Facebook group for founders. We spent over a month getting to know each other. She had already launched the company and I spent some time showing sample work so she knew I could do the work I said I could do. I also could see how our backgrounds and skills were complimentary to each other. Lastly we clearly laid out roles and responsibilities. Our company is www.allupfront.com.
FYI: the hamburger menu on mobile, on my iphone doesnt work. Cool product though. Good luck.