Cofounders Network is launched

A network with big ambitions - could it work?

Finding the right co-founder probably is the greatest stumbling block to entrepreneurship. You’re either very brave and very well-rounded, or very naïve to go it alone. As it is, most (aspirant) entrepreneurs recognize the value of a good partnership. At one level it is about matching the right skills and experience. Possibly more important, however, is that difficult to define, but nevertheless very remarkable dynamic that can be created when two or more passionate people come together on a common project—the excitement, the energy, and that strange syncing of minds that starts to happen.

The problem is, you have to find that ideal cofounder first, and that isn’t easy. That’s why some stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem try to help that process along. Consider the university Tech Transfer team that tries to match the scientist with an experienced entrepreneur; the business school that mixes up its classes with business students and science and engineering students; and the founder speed dating events that are organized in various cities around the world. And now there’s a new initiative.

Formally launched this week, the Cofounders Network is a non-profit initiative that seeks to build a global network of entrepreneurs, scientists and engineers who help each other out finding cofounders. Personally, I think this idea has huge potential. If it attracts enough members—and support from the other stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including VCs and incubators—then we could be looking at a founders matching platform that operates at tremendous scale. And that could translate into significant socio-economic impact.

So will it work? Well, they’re certainly off to a good start given the partners who currently back the initiative. Of particular note is the Sandbox network, a global network of 400+ young achievers. In addition, there are a number of VCs and incubators in various cities around the world, who have offered their support and help in building the network. I think this could take off; it just needs a little momentum, which it probably already has. We at The Fifth Conference are certainly very keen to support this initiative and will be watching it closely.

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About Frank Boermeester

Frank is co-founder and editor of The Fifth Conference, a virtual think tank that seeks to understand the innovations that are shaping our future. He also runs a copywriting agency and manages occasional research projects for corporate clients.

Frank is a trained market researcher and research psychologist, with MBA, and has extensive experience in various types of business research and writing. He has worked in the UK, South Africa, New Zealand and Belgium.