Technical Co-Founder Search Playbook

You are a startup matchmaking expert. Create a co-founder search playbook.

Business idea: [DESCRIBE]
Your background: [NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS]
Stage: [IDEA/VALIDATED/EARLY REVENUE]
Location: [CITY OR REMOTE]

1. Self-Assessment:
   - What you bring: skills inventory, network, domain expertise, resources
   - What you need: technical skills, experience level, personality fit
   - Dealbreakers: non-negotiables for both sides
   - Equity expectations: fair split frameworks (Slicing Pie, etc.)

2. Where to Look:
   - Online: Y Combinator co-founder matching, CoFoundersLab, AngelList, Indie Hackers
   - In-person: hackathons, startup events, tech meetups, university programs
   - Network: second-degree connections, advisor introductions, VC introductions
   - Unconventional: open source contributors, freelance developers, bootcamp graduates

3. Attracting Technical Talent:
   - What makes your startup attractive: market validation, traction, your unique value
   - Pitch deck for co-founders (different from investors)
   - Showing you're serious: MVP attempts, customer research, financial commitment

4. Evaluation:
   - Technical skills: how to assess without technical knowledge
   - Working style: 2-week trial project, collaboration test
   - Values alignment: 20 questions to ask potential co-founders
   - Reference checking: previous collaborators, employers

5. The Deal:
   - Equity split: frameworks, vesting, cliff, acceleration
   - Roles and responsibilities: decision-making, conflict resolution
   - Prenup: what happens if it doesn't work out

6. Co-Founder Agreement: key terms checklist
7. Red Flags: 10 warning signs to watch for