[t_hinman_esq]

Gosh, that sounds really challenging. I've worked with tons of early stage startups and issues between founders is not unusual -- in a lot of ways it's like a marriage, in all the good and bad ways.

I would suggest sitting down with them and trying to point out some of the issues you've raised above, if you can approach it in a "we're in this together, let's solve this problem" kind of way.

If you can't, is there an investor or a trusted outside party who could help facilitate that conversation?

If you feel like there isn't a productive way to have this conversation, then maybe it's time to figure out whether this is a partnership that can continue and make some difficult choices.

Some of these problems could potentially be solved by outsourcing more of the work you're doing, so you aren't doing all of the jobs, all of the time, but of course, that requires capital, which you may or may not have.

I sympathize, it sounds really difficult right now. Just know these issues are not unique to your situation, and hopefully with some proactive communication you can actually improve the situation for you and for the business.

Happy to chat more if that's helpful!

[buzzthro]

Thanks for that perspective. We have tried to have conversations about it. But things improve only for a short while. I've even broached the topic of getting a 3rd co-founder to come in and be the CEO who can keep things running smoothly. That hasn't gone anywhere.

We also don't have a lot left in the bank (though we are trying to fundraise at the moment) and we do outsource some bits. Given how early we are, external help only goes so far - a lot of time it has just been a waste of money since the hourly contractors we work with aren't as invested and don't have the full picture the founders do.