Could you share any personal lessons or stories from working with your co-founders? What worked, what didn't, and how did you navigate challenges?
Charles Huang
I started 3 companies with my brother. I started 2 companies with former co-workers. I started 1 company by myself. I started 1 company with a high school classmate. Based on that set of experiences, I highly recommend you have a co-founder. I prefer someone I have known for years. It eliminates a few risks: 1. Chemistry risk — we can work with each other. 2. Skills fit risk — we know what each person can do.
Kai Huang
For two companies that I started the co-founder was my brother. For one it was with someone I worked with and trusted in the past. For the other two they were friend referrals. I think working with someone you've worked with previously (or lived with) really makes sure you're compatible before becoming startup founders. You should always be expanding your network by meeting people, and making sure you keep in touch with past connections.
Joseph Hei
I've started companies with friends, with co-workers or people who worked for me who became friends, and with my wife! I think the theme is, people I knew well (or at least thought I knew well…).