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Founder or Co-founder: Who does what in an impact project?

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" Founder or co-founder ?" is surely a question that is bothering you! Whether you are the leader of an impact project looking for a partner or you want to join the entrepreneurial adventure together, you are not the only one to be confused, that's for sure!

In this article, we guide you through the complementary but distinct roles of the founder and co-founder, and explain why understanding their differences and complementarity can turn any impact project into a real success story! 🚀

Ready to find out what role you can play in this adventure? Let us help you see more clearly!

💡 The founder: the visionary soul of the project

Imagine that moment when you think, " What if I could really make a difference with this project?" This moment of enlightenment, this click, is often the starting point for a founder. But then, concretely, what does he or she do?

The founder is the one who:

  • Lays the foundation for the impact project, identifying an urgent or unmet need.

  • Defines a strong and inspiring mission, whether it's to protect the environment, solve a social problem, or improve lives.

  • Find critical early resources, such as funding, strategic partners, or motivated talent.

But be careful, a founder cannot do everything alone. And that's where the co-founder comes in!

🤝 The co-founder: the strategic partner

If the founder imagines the vision, the co-founder is the one who ensures that each brick of the project is solidly laid. Together, they form a complementary and essential duo to move an impact project forward.

The co-founder is the one who:

  • Supports day-to-day operations: financial management, product development, marketing strategy, or recruitment.

  • Transforms ambitious ideas into concrete and achievable steps.

  • Actively participates in strategic decisions, bringing complementary expertise.

Fun fact : Did you know that a large proportion of impact projects fail because a good co-founder is missing? It is essential to find a partner whose skills complement yours and with whom you share a common vision. Then take the time to look for the right partner  : they may already be among our partner offers ! 😉

📝 Responsibilities: who does what in an impact project?

You may be wondering how these roles come to life on a daily basis in an impact project. Here's a look at typical roles:

The founder:

  • Defines the mission and values of the project.

  • Represents the project to investors and partners.

  • Guides the long-term strategy of the project.

The co-founder:

  • Manages day-to-day operations and oversees teams.

  • Oversees technical, financial or logistical aspects.

  • Ensures that the founder's vision is translated into measurable results. 📊

These roles are never fixed. A project is constantly evolving, and it is through smooth communication and mutual trust that the duo will be able to navigate together to success.

🤔 Strategic choices: the importance of joint decisions

In an impact project, every decision counts double. It's not just profitability that comes into play, but also the impact of each choice on the project's mission. This is where the collaboration between founder and co-founder becomes crucial.

Some examples of important decisions to make together:

  • Which markets should be targeted as a priority?

  • How do you maintain innovation while staying true to the mission?

  • Which partners should be chosen to maximize the impact of the project?

Ask yourself this question: Does this decision bring us closer to our vision? If the answer is yes, then go for it! Remember, taking risks is part of the game! 🔥

👌 Why is a founder-co-founder duo essential?

You know what they say: two heads are better than one! When it comes to an impact project, a good founder-co-founder duo can be the key to success. Imagine a tandem on a bike: one pedals to maintain balance, the other adjusts the direction. Without coordination, it's a guaranteed fall! 😅

The founder and co-founder must work hand in hand to avoid going off the road. Their success depends on their ability to:

  • Working in complementarity.

  • Share the same values.

  • And above all, to have a common vision.

The secret to success? Find a partner who complements your expertise and with whom you share a common ambition. Take the time to discuss your goals, but also your fears. This transparency will strengthen your partnership.

Ready to embark on the adventure?

An impact project is much more than an entrepreneurial adventure: it is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark. But for this vision to become reality, each actor in the duo must play their role to perfection.

At Meet My Job, we strongly believe that every impact project can reach new heights with the right people on board. Discover our offers to become an associate now, create your own to find your ideal partner, and connect with profiles that share your values. 

Don't wait any longer, the impact you dream of creating starts here and now! 🌟