What the Data Shows
Partnership dynamics shape business outcomes.
65%
Startup failures stem from co-founder or leadership conflict.
2x
Faster decision-making in well-aligned leadership teams.
3x
Better execution consistency in aligned partnerships.
4x
Higher employee retention when leadership partnerships are healthy
Great Partnerships Are Built, Not Accidental
CofounderFit conducts evidence-based research into the interpersonal and behavioral dynamics that shape how founders and leaders work together across industries.
We study:
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Patterns that predict long-term partnership success
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How successful partners make decisions under pressure
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Where alignment forms and where it begins to fracture
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Early warning signs of misalignment
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How leaders navigate and repair conflict
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The emotional toll of partnership strain
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The operational and performance costs of unresolved issues
This research helps leadership teams turn partnership dynamics into a measurable growth advantage.
About Us
CofounderFit is a research initiative created by two founders who’ve lived the real highs and lows of building companies.
We learned early that the relationship at the top influences nearly every major outcome yet leaders are given very few tools to strengthen the one dynamic that drives execution, performance, and growth.
So we’re studying it.
Our work is grounded in global research, combining behavioral science, founder-outcome studies, and real-world perspectives from the people who see partnership dynamics up close.
We interview founders, senior teams, advisors, coaches, investors, legal and HR leaders, and others across the ecosystem to understand the patterns behind how people work together: what keeps them aligned, where friction begins, and what predicts long-term success.
Our research draws on insights from:
• Harvard Business School founder-dynamics research
• First Round Capital founder-performance studies
• UNSW and Oxford global founder-personality research
• Longitudinal startup failure and exit data
By sharing your experience, you contribute to a growing dataset and gain access to early insights that help you make clearer decisions, strengthen collaboration, and reduce the risks that come from misalignment.
We’d love to hear your story. Join the research.
Participate in Our Global Research
We’re gathering insights from founders, operators, coaches, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Choose the path that best fits your experience:
Solo Founder
You’ve built alone and know what’s missing. Your experience helps us spot early signals in future partnerships.
Co-Founders
You’re living the partnership day to day. We want to learn from your real dynamics — the wins, the friction, and everything in between.
Coaches & Advisors
You’ve seen inside many partnerships. Your perspective helps us understand the patterns leaders often miss.
Accelerators & Investors
Better execution consistency in aligned partnerships.