Dear SaaStr: How Do You Deal With an Unreliable Co-Founder?

Managing an Unreliable Co-Founder

If your co-founder proves to be unreliable, consider transitioning them into an individual contributor role. If that doesn’t improve the situation, it may be necessary to part ways.

It can be frustrating when a talented co-founder becomes unreliable, but it’s important to assess their impact on the company. If they are still valuable and not causing negativity, it may be worth trying to keep them on board.

Often, “unreliable” simply means a lack of commitment compared to you. This is understandable in the challenging startup environment, especially when financial rewards are minimal.

If the situation is unfixable, consider transitioning the unreliable co-founder out or ensuring they do not manage any critical tasks. A culture of unreliability can be toxic and detrimental to the company’s success.

For more insights on co-founder dynamics, check out this related post: