Field notes
Frameworks for stronger partnerships.
Field notes, frameworks, and applied research on how co-founder partnerships actually hold up under pressure.
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5 October 2026Partnership4 min readAdding a cofounder after starting: what to agree first
Adding a cofounder after starting means agreeing equity, fresh vesting, role and decision rights for someone joining a company that already has a history.
5 October 2026Conflict4 min readCofounder best friend conflict: how to protect both
Cofounder best friend conflict starts when business disagreements get swallowed to save the friendship. Name your roles, write it down and raise issues early.
5 October 2026Investors4 min readDown round cofounder alignment: what to settle first
Down round cofounder alignment means agreeing on dilution, terms and cuts between you before an investor sees the gap. Here is what to settle, and when.
5 October 2026Leadership4 min readLeadership team alignment during a pivot
Leadership team alignment during a pivot means convincing your leaders before the company hears, hearing real dissent, deciding on time and watching for doubt.
28 September 2026Conflict6 min readCofounder conflict in front of your team: what to do
Handle cofounder conflict in front of your team by tabling it, naming who owns the call and closing the loop, so a visible disagreement reads as leadership.
28 September 2026Equity5 min readCofounder share buyback valuation: how to set the price
Cofounder share buyback valuation explained: agreed value, appraisal or a formula. Pick the method and payment terms in your agreement before anyone leaves.
28 September 2026Leadership6 min readLeadership team alignment during a reorg or layoff
Leadership team alignment in a reorg breaks in private. Agree the decision and one explanation before anyone hears it, confirm reporting lines, sync often.
28 September 2026Partnership6 min readWhen to renegotiate cofounder roles as you scale
Renegotiate cofounder roles at a fundraise, a first executive hire or around 20 staff. Map real scope, agree who decides what, and write the new split down.
28 September 2026Investors6 min readVC founder vesting terms: what investors require
VC founder vesting terms are rarely negotiable. The standard four-year schedule, reverse vesting on shares you own, and why investors want double trigger.
21 September 2026Conflict5 min readCofounder power imbalance: when one partner has more control
A cofounder power imbalance often hides behind the cap table and shows up in daily decisions. Name who decides what, in writing, before it turns to resentment.
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