Foundation · Step 1 of 7
Settle equity and roles while it's easy.
Agree on equity, roles and vesting while the business is worth nothing, because that's when the conversation is easy. But first, check whether you need a partner at all.
Saves time
A five-part agreement walks you through every term founders usually forget, with sensible defaults like a 12-month cliff over four years.
Saves money
Co-founder disputes are among the most expensive problems a young company can have. Settling the terms in writing now is the cheapest fix there is.
Solid footing
A completeness check covers roles, equity, vesting, IP, decision-making and what happens in a deadlock.
The 2 activities in this step
Each one hands its answer to the next, so you never start from a blank page.
Activity 1
Capability Audit
Check whether you need a co-founder or can go solo.
The usual way
Partnering with a friend because it feels less lonely, without mapping the skills gap.
With ViableBrand
Rate yourself across six areas (engineering, product, sales, marketing, operations, finance and legal) and how much each matters. The audit factors in what tools can now cover and suggests adding a co-founder or going solo with leverage.
You walk away with: A fragility score and a clear prompt on whether to find a partner.
Activity 2
Co-founder Agreement
Put the deal in writing.
The usual way
A handshake, or a generic template nobody reads until something goes wrong.
With ViableBrand
Five modules (roles, equity, vesting, IP, review) for up to four founders, covering good-leaver terms, non-compete, decision thresholds and deadlock rules. A checklist confirms nothing is missing.
You walk away with: A clear record of what the founders agreed, ready to take to a lawyer.
What comes in
Skill gaps from your Founder-Market Fit in Validation.
What goes forward
Equity and vesting fill your Cap Table, and your team size shapes the Culture Map.
The Co-founder Agreement is a record of what the founders agreed, not a legal document. Have counsel turn it into one.
Agree now, while it's easy.
Your first Blue Ocean report is free, with no card needed. Every step of the journey, including this one, lives in the Founders Hub.
Start freeValidation · Foundation · Financial · Launch