Dear SaaStr: What Should Happen When a Co-founder Wants to Quit?
This is one of the toughest situations to be in.
First, figure out if it’s just anxiety.
Starting something is hard. Getting to the first $1m in ARR is borderline impossible. If it’s “just” anxiety, and your co-founder is truly great at something — see if you can help him stay the course. At least for now.
But if they are truly checked out — if they are going to leave. 100% for sure. If they just don’t want to do it anymore. Then, just let them go. With respect and appreciation (even if you’re not sure they fully deserve it anymore).
This may be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do, to let a co-founder who is truly great at things, even a co-founder you simply can’t do it without … go.
It may seem impossible without him. It may well be.
But dealing with that sooner rather than later increases your odds of success.
Great founders never quit. Sometimes, though, they need a pep talk or two.
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