Forming a Startup Founding Team
How to build & formalise a founding team dynamic
Investing in People
With investors trending towards investing in people rather than ideas, the blend of talent in founding teams has become the chief identifier of future success in startups.
At the same time, one of the biggest challenges faced by founders is finding the right co-founder. Someone who shares their vision, complements their skills, and is equally committed to the venture. Learning about the importance of teams and how to facilitate co-founder matching can go a long way in helping startups to success.
Learn from Global Experts
Deirdre Lyons
Founder & CEO | Examfly
Mark Little
Head of Product Safety Strategy | Spotify
Co-Founder Kinzen acquired by Spotify
Sinead Walsh
Director of Operations | Bioinnovate
Aisling Hayes
Co-founder & CEO | Krinu
Jane Dillon
Programme Director | Founders
Ian Browne
Managing Director | NDRC
“I now have a strict rule to only invest in teams. There are other examples of companies I missed and other examples of the converse – companies where I invested in mediocre people chasing a great idea and the company failed – but Dropbox is emblematic to me as to why you should always invest in people over ideas.”
Chris Dixon | GP at Andreessen Horowitz - Leads a16z Crypto ($7billion AUM)
Knowledge You Will Gain
Learn about the key elements of a founding team and hear from successful startup teams.
Understand the key parts of a founding team
What are the traits that great founding teams share, and how can they be built? We explore the importance of a great founding team
How to build & formalise the founding team dynamic
How to build & formalise the team dynamic - setting roles & responsibilities, equity agreements, and vesting schedules
Practical case studies
An overview of programmes or supports that can bring people with complementary skills together
An Interactive & Immersive Schedule
This Masterclass will cover the following topics:
1. Kick-Off (09:00 - 09:05)
Welcome & Introductions
Learning Outcomes & Topic Overview
2. The Importance of Founding Teams (09:05 - 09:30)
The key elements of a founding team
Building complementary skill sets & solving for weaknesses
People vs. Ideas
3. Forming The Founding Team (09:30 - 10:15)
Setting roles & responsibilities
Equity Agreements & Vesting Schedules
Insights from successful startup teams
4. How to Facilitate Co-founder Matching (10:15 - 10:55)
What programmes, supports, and meetups are available?
Interactive discussion with breakout groups
5. Action & Wrap (10:55 - 11:00)
How to get involved
Key Actions & Wrap-up
Course Details
When is it: To be announced
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Format: Fully virtual session
How to Prepare: Download/update the Zoom desktop app, and make sure your video and audio are clear and have a stable internet connection.
Description: This Masterclass is targeted at anyone who is advising founders to better understand the importance of teams and to better support on finding a co-founder. We will explore the importance of founding teams and the traits they share, how successful founding teams form, and the pathways to finding a co-founder. Get insights from founders and talent programme managers.