Earlier this year, I took the plunge into my first venture-backed startup, Reppo — an incentivized blockchain network that empowers people to co-build, co-own, and co-monetize AI. What began as a thrilling partnership with a trusted colleague eventually turned into a solo venture. This piece isn’t just about that journey; it’s a reflection on the powerful lessons I learned about co-founding, navigating uncertainty, and the importance of shared resilience.
Backstory
In October 2023, I came across an application for the a16z Crypto School while casually scrolling on X (formerly Twitter). I was at a transitional point at work, so I thought, why not pitch an idea I had to address DePIN verification? If nothing else, I’d get feedback from a heavyweight firm. To strengthen the pitch, I approached a colleague I trusted, and soon, one Zoom call turned into a flight to NYC and brainstorming sessions at WeWork. It was that quintessential startup moment: caffeine-fueled idea jamming, fleshing out our concept, and putting together our application.
When we got the call from a16z, it was like the scene from a movie where the underdog gets their shot. We pitched, fine-tuned, and prepared, but the journey was only beginning. There was excitement, late nights, and nerves, but by January 18th, we had a solid pitch ready for the General Partners.
Then, on Christmas Eve 2023, my co-founder told me they were considering another job offer. It hit me like a gut punch, but I shrugged it off as part of the uncertainty of building something big. Looking back, I realize that was a missed red flag — a big one.
From that moment through early January, I felt as though I was mentally preparing to go solo. I got feedback from mentors, refined our assumptions, and prepared for pitch day. Then, on January 12th, my co-founder returned, saying they wanted to commit to this journey. I felt a wave of relief and excitement.
When a16z ultimately passed on our idea, we accepted an investment from our employer and started building in earnest. For a while, things seemed to be moving forward — but uncertainty was just around the corner.
The Real Startup Grind
With funding in hand, we faced the million-dollar question: “What next?” Should we build a proof of concept, engage potential customers, or hire? The list felt endless, and each decision held its own risks. In an effort to truly make things work, I moved my life, along with my dog, to NYC so we could operate in the same space.
Our next few months were a whirlwind of building, testing ideas with potential users, and tackling the legal maze of setting up in the Cayman Islands. It felt intense and chaotic but also like progress — until March.
In those months, something shifted. We hit roadblocks in our proof of concept, and customers didn’t seem eager to adopt our solution. It was a jarring realization that the “big problem” we were trying to solve wasn’t something people were ready to invest in just yet. The uncertainty about our next steps began to take its toll.
I’m a strongly opinionated person, and when I feel the direction isn’t clear, I naturally step up and drive. But as I started steering toward a new approach, the differences in our responses to uncertainty became glaring. I was excited by the unknown; my co-founder, however, seemed more anxious and hesitant.
This disconnect only widened as we continued. In the end, it wasn’t sustainable, and in May 2024, they decided to leave. It wasn’t an amicable split, but I learned so much from it — both about myself and about choosing the right partner.
So, What’s the Moral of the Story?
Through this journey, I’ve realized there are generally two types of people when faced with uncertainty: those who feel a thrill in the unknown and those who feel panic. When choosing a co-founder, it’s essential to find someone who aligns with the former. It’s not easy, but there are ways to sense this before diving in together.
Looking back, I wish I hadn’t brushed off that initial hint from my co-founder about their job offer in December. That was the moment to dig deeper into their “why.” If the “why” for starting a company is simply because it’s the best available option, that’s a red flag.
So here’s my advice: if you’re considering a partnership, don’t shy away from creating a situation where both of you face some real uncertainty. Take a road trip, work through a high-stakes project, or dive into an uncomfortable situation. Watch how they respond. Their reaction to uncertainty will tell you far more than a typical stress test ever could.
Final Thoughts
Building a startup is hard — really hard. The journey can feel lonely, turbulent, and full of unknowns. But finding the right co-founder who embraces that ride with you can make all the difference. If you’re thinking of jumping into the startup world, take the time to find that person who not only has the skills but also the resilience to embrace uncertainty as an adventure. It could be the deciding factor between a startup that thrives and one that flounders.
