Co-Founder Alignment Template
Founder Alignment
Pre-Seed
KEY OUTCOMES
A fully aligned co-founder relationship with clear expectations on vision, roles, decision-making, and long-term commitments, reducing risks of conflict and miscommunication.
CREATED BY
Kendra Garagan
Founder
@
Kenergy
1-3 HOURS
TO COMPLETE
THE OVERVIEW
This template is designed to facilitate deep conversations between co-founders, ensuring clarity on vision, values, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and equity expectations. It helps prevent future conflicts by aligning co-founders early on key business and operational areas.
WHAT PROBLEM IT SOLVES
Many startup failures stem from co-founder misalignment—whether on vision, roles, decision-making, or equity splits. Without a structured way to discuss and document alignment, co-founders risk miscommunication, unbalanced workloads, and long-term conflicts. This template provides a comprehensive framework to ensure co-founders are fully aligned before scaling their venture.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Vision & Values Alignment: A structured guide to ensuring both co-founders share a common long-term vision Roles & Responsibilities Map: A framework to divide ownership over business functions Decision-Making & Conflict Resolution: Guidelines for handling key decisions and resolving disputes Equity & Compensation Framework: A structured way to discuss and document equity splits and compensation expectations Weekly & Monthly Check-In Structure: A system for ongoing co-founder alignment and tracking key discussions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Be open to honest, direct conversations about expectations, challenges, and potential friction points. Misalignment caught early can prevent significant issues later.
IDEAL FOR
Early-stage co-founders looking to formalize their alignment before fundraising or scaling Solo founders preparing to bring on a co-founder and wanting to ensure a structured onboarding process Startups experiencing co-founder friction and needing a structured realignment process
THE BENEFITS
Ensures full transparency and alignment between co-founders Helps founders avoid miscommunication and potential conflicts Provides a structured approach to role division and decision-making Helps set up regular check-ins to ensure continued alignment as the company evolves
CREATOR TIP
Do not rush this process—co-founder alignment is more important than product execution early on.
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