The Founder Prenup

Overview

A set of critical discussion topics for co-founders to align on before starting a company (or to revisit periodically). Designed to prevent the 65% of startup failures caused by co-founder conflict.

Core principle: Assume nothing. If you act based on your values and they act based on theirs, you'll think they're acting strangely—but they're just being themselves.

The Alignment Checklist

code

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    FOUNDER PRENUP CHECKLIST                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ VALUES CLARIFICATION                                         │
│    List top 3-5 core values and compare.                        │
│    (Excellence vs. Work-Life Balance?)                          │
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ VISION OF SUCCESS                                            │
│    Define the end game. (IPO? Acquisition? Freedom?)            │
│    One wants massive venture outcome, one wants "small shop"?   │
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ CONFLICT STYLE                                               │
│    How do we argue? (Seething in silence? Exploding?)           │
│    How quickly do we need resolution?                           │
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ DECISION PROTOCOL                                            │
│    When we disagree, who decides?                               │
│    (Vote? CEO final? Domain expert?)                            │
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ CULTURE DEFINITION                                           │
│    Results-driven vs. Family-feel?                              │
│    Speed vs. Consensus?                                         │
│                                                                  │
│  ☐ OPERATING STYLE                                              │
│    Communication preferences and pet peeves.                    │
│    Working hours expectations.                                  │
│                                                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

When to Use

Timing	Purpose
Before incorporation	Foundational alignment
When adding co-founder	Prevent future conflicts
Annually	Relationship health check
During tension	Structured de-escalation

Red Flag Misalignments

Topic	Co-founder A	Co-founder B	Risk
End Goal	IPO	Lifestyle biz	Critical
Work Style	80hr weeks	40hrs max	High
Decision	Consensus	Dictatorial	High
Conflict	Avoid	Confront	Medium

Common Mistakes

•Assuming alignment because you're friends
•Avoiding the conversation because it feels awkward
•Not revisiting as the company evolves

Real-World Example

Two co-founders realized too late: one wanted a massive venture outcome, the other wanted a small shop where they knew everyone's name. The painful split could have been avoided with this conversation upfront.

Source: Alisa Cohn (Executive Coach, Thinkers50 Top Startup Coach) via Lenny's Podcast