God Only Knows What I’d Be Without You - An Ode To Co-Founders

As Valentine's Day is a distant memory, chocolates scoffed and red roses wilting, let’s shed the light on a different kind of love. We’re talking about the unbreakable bond between co-founders, the ones who've been there through the late nights, the tough decisions and the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.

So, let's take a break from the mushy stuff and hear from some of our favourite duos (and quartet) in the industry and asked them what they really love about having a co-founder.

Tara Mei and Jason Gibb - Bread & Jam

Jason: I wouldn’t start a business without a co-founder. Whats the point, where’s the fun, and who has the complete skillset to start a business on their own anyway? It does mean that the co-founder relationship dynamic is fundamental and so there is a huge amount of pressure on it. But if you find the right person then you have someone who is watching your back, someone who you want to impress and wants to impress you, and someone you can talk honestly to whether it’s tears or smiles.

Tara: Finding your cofounder is like finding your secret weapon. Someone who inspires you and reminds you why you got into all this in the first place. My cofounder and I have never written a mission statement and hopefully, we'll never have to because it is something that runs so true and deep in our veins that there can never be any doubt about what we're setting out to do together.

Louis Collin and James Tyler - Local Beer

James: I never would have taken the leap to start a business without a co-founder. The thought is terrifying. Did you watch The Traitors this year? In the final episode, the winner Harry was explaining that he felt so confident as a traitor because he had Paul alongside him, and it was like at school when you and your best mate get in to trouble. It kind of feels like that with a co-founder. It multiplies the fun and means there’s someone to share in the successes but it also means you can find humour in the really difficult moments (of which there are many with a fledgling business!) and I really couldn’t do it without him. The only real downside is I probably spend more time with Louis than with my wife at the moment… with none of the benefits. We did sleep in the same bed on a trip to Manchester recently, but nothing happened.

So, do I love Louis? No. 

But do I like Louis? Also no.

Unfortunately he’s all I’ve got.

Louis: I've got a huge amount of respect for solo-founders, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to do it myself. Having a partner-in-crime to celebrate the wins with (and cope with the losses!) is part of the fun. It’s one of the reasons I love it so much. James is the Thelma to my Louis(e). It does mean I spend more time with him vs anyone else I know. Personally this doesn’t bother me, he’s got a cracking sense of humour & makes a mean veggie curry. I don’t think his wife is quite so keen though.

Andy Shovel and Pete Sharman - THIS

Andy - One person is unlikely to possess highly competent skills across all facets of starting and running a business. For instance, someone may excel in creativity but lack proficiency in financial or operational matters. In our partnership, Pete excels in numbers, focusing on finance and operations, while I thrive in marketing and branding. Together, we collaborate on new product development, leveraging his technical expertise and my visionary approach.

Partnering also offers a shoulder to cry on during challenging times—a frequent occurrence in startups—and the joy of shared successes. Indeed, life's victories are often amplified when celebrated with others.

However, partnership isn't without its challenges. Negotiating decisions can be slower than acting independently, requiring patience and compromise.

Eugene and Ivor Patterson - Revibed Drinks

Eugene: Revibed Drinks stands out by blending tradition and innovation with superfoods inspired by my father’s Caribbean recipe, creating a unique flavour profile. Collaborating with my dad at Revibed has been fulfilling. The benefits are immense – having a co-founder who’s also your role model and father brings a strong shared vision, complementing skills and unwavering support. What I love most is the generational synergy, blending his Caribbean roots with my modern day perspective on health and well-being through global superfoods ingredients . 

Balancing family dynamics with professional decisions can be tricky, but maintaining clear boundaries is crucial. Working with my dad at Revibed is a rewarding experience, combining a family recipe, shared values, and diverse skills.

Elin, Chris, Fabio, Driando - Better Nature

Elin - We're quite unique as we're four co-founders. It certainly has its challenges as it can make the decision-making process longer and harder. But I also think this has made the decisions we've made together better and it's forced us to have much more autonomy in our individual domains which has helped us make braver, stronger decisions. The fact that Brand Strategy & Marketing, NPD & R&D, Business Development & Sales and Operations (which are our four different domains) have all been given equal importance has meant we've been able to create a very balanced business with expertise in all key areas. It also makes the journey less lonely and more fun - there'll be times where one of us is having a harder time and the others, who totally empathise, can step in and support."

Joe and Mike Hill - One Planet Pizza

Joe: I love working with my Dad. We have so much in common and are super mission aligned. The only challenge is knowing when to shut up about work and actaully just hang out as father and son.

Mike: It’s great running a business with my son, Joe. I can keep a close eye on him and make sure he’s not slacking whilst making him do all the heavy lifting. He brings the energy and the passion of a youngster, whereas I bring experience and a track record of building a business to the table. Hopefully…!