Dear Co-Founder: Open Letter to a Co-Founder

Dear Co-founder,

You already know the things I am about to say here. They are dead obvious; but that's the problem - they are dead obvious.

You are not the best programmer in the world, I've seen better ones. Nor am I the best designer in the world, you've seen better ones. None of us is the best person out there. But you know what? That's irrelevant! Because we are best for each other.

I have not seen anyone who brings out this best in me. We just fit in all of this perfectly well. I can hire a programmer, you can hire a designer. But we cannot hire a co-founder. There is no end to the ideas and inspiration that flows when I am with you.

If someone was to tell me, "You suck!" - I might laugh and ignore, or just punch him in the face. But when you say it... hell you don't even need to say it. I know when you're thinking that. I appreciate so much this profound understanding and comfort-level that we've created.

I appreciate having you - who can tell me on the face that it was just another excuse of mine to delay shipping. I appreciate that we can be blunt with each other. Try doing that with your girlfriend - she will kick you in the balls!

It's not about the startup. Not at all! It's about we being together and then something meaningful coming out of it. You know it, we've created amazing experiences together!

When I am not a match to your vision (of me), don't give up on me! Hope for me, call for me and except me. You will see me rise. If either of us give-up on the other one, we've failed ourselves. I appreciate you raising the bar every time we interact (and when we don't). I appreciate you expecting more from me.

When you're not along, it seems impossible to dive-in and live this dream. It is such a relief to know that you will dive-in with me. I won't walk the line alone.

Do you think I can do this alone? Ha! I am so lazy that it takes me months to correct a typo. Do you think you can do this alone? You can't even eat a burger properly! Now, correcting typo and eating burgers has nothing to do with the startup - but you know what I mean. In fact, only you know what I mean.

Maybe we can do this alone, but with each other we will love doing it!

I am flawed, so are you and that's how we roll! Flaws are hinges that lock us together. If we were smooth as perfect - we'd slip past each other.

This feels so perfect, effortless, inspiring and full of life. Like it is meant to be. Like it is inevitable. Let's leave our big noses (ego) aside, and enjoy this lined-up life. Let's be together... hell, when were we gone? Since very first time we met, to this date - we've been together.

I admit it! I want to do this with you. How about you?

Yours,
Co-founder.

PS: If you feel the same, send this to your co-founder. Let me know how they reacted. And wish me luck that it'd work for me too. :)

You are reading a post that I wrote a long time back—at least 13 years ago. Take it with a bag of salt.