Finding my way to entrepreneurship (Part 8)

Hitting Restart: The Raw Truth About Starting Solo and Finding My Co-Founder

After a few months' hiatus, I'm back. The break gave me a much-needed pause to reflect, recalibrate, and, most importantly, experience a journey I believe many of you can resonate with—navigating the solitude in the entrepreneurial world. Last year was a rewarding chapter in my life, filled with many lessons, including the feelings of loneliness that accompany the role of a sole founder. Today, I want to share that story with you.

Embarking on a solo venture is a thrilling yet daunting one. At the outset, the excitement of bringing a vision to life typically overshadows everything else. However, as the journey unfolds, the weight of the task becomes much more palpable and real. You find yourself juggling so many roles—from managing teams and making critical decisions to networking and, of course, building something meaningful. While I truly enjoyed each of these responsibilities, I won't shy away from admitting that there are moments when the passion wanes, leaving behind tasks that feel more like burdens than opportunities.

This rollercoaster of emotions is not unique to me. Many founders find themselves on this path, facing the daunting reality of having to push through even when the motivation tank hits empty. It's a stark reminder of the solitude that comes with leadership—bearing the brunt of decisions, navigating uncertainties, and often, feeling incredibly alone in the journey. Despite being surrounded by a talented team, the singular responsibility of decision-making introduced me to a loneliness I hadn't anticipated. It's a strange juxtaposition—being part of a team yet feeling isolated, a testament to the emotional toll of entrepreneurship.

The past few months were particularly challenging. My productivity seemed to plummet as the weight of my thoughts and responsibilities clouded my ability to focus. I admit, it was a counterproductive phase, to say the least. However, amidst this, I found solace and guidance through incredible coaches and a supportive founder community. A conversation with a founder friend pursuing her MBA in the U.S. proved so helpful. She spoke of using her MBA executive coach to ground herself and set achievable milestones—a strategy I adopted.

I spent a morning with my executive coach provided by my MBA in what can only be described as a “brain dump”—laying out every concern, every task that felt like a mountain. Together, we crafted a roadmap, prioritizing tasks and setting deadlines. The first item on that list? Finding a co-founder. The search wasn't just about sharing the load; it was about finding someone who shared the vision, the passion, and the resilience to ride the highs and lows of startup life.

My search for a co-founder led me through various platforms—YC's co-founder matching platform, job boards like Work in Startups, and leveraging my alumni network from LBS, not to mention my personal contacts. The process was honestly like dating, with countless coffee chats and video calls.

Then, I met Luciano through a mutual friend. Our first conversation was different; we connected not just on a business level but on what we valued in life. This connection was what I had been seeking.

Luciano brought an energy and perspective that resonated with mine. Through countless conversations, we found common ground in our approach to feedback, our openness, and our shared passion for this pursuit.

I am thrilled to introduce Luciano as my co-founder and CTO!! While we are still in the early days, his presence has already been supportive, challenging me to elevate Mongo.

The journey of finding a co-founder has been a testament to the importance of aligning not just on professional capabilities but on values and personal mindset. In a world where the most common reason startups fail is due to disagreements between co-founders, thoughtful consideration of who you bring on board is crucial.

For those of you on a similar path or contemplating the journey, I'm here. If you're curious about the co-founder search, have questions, or need guidance on where to start, feel free to reach out. The journey of entrepreneurship is a challenging one, but it's also filled with moments of profound growth and connection.