This is an article we submitted to an e-Book called Founder to Founder, a compilation of essays edited and compiled by our friends at Causevox. 

OK, perhaps that was a slightly over-the-top and clearly exaggerated. But we’re having a bit too much fun with an important idea: it has been incredibly meaningful for each of us and quite productive for the growth of our organization to be a co-founder.

The world is made up of different types of people. Some are visual, some verbal; some thinkers, some feelers. In the wide variety and sheer number of people that we run into, are introduced to, and meet with, it has been so valuable to have our different perspectives and ways of thinking; it has helped us to build stronger relationships with an amazing diversity of supporters, mentors and colleagues.

And, our unique balance makes us a more compelling team than either of us would be alone. Our organization is very young, and like many young organizations, our investors are betting on the founders and their vision. With a young organization, a character weakness on the part of a founder can be a fatal flaw. By striking a balance, we created a stronger vision, and, more importantly, stronger execution.

But perhaps most crucially, we have been a sounding board and support system for each other. And through it all somehow we’ve managed to stay friends. Founding and running a startup is certainly challenging, but it can also be lonely and scary. We’re not entirely sure, of course, but neither of us thinks we would have made it as far as we have alone. Maybe so, but there’s no way we would have achieved as much.

Ultimately our point is this: if you’re starting out on the journey of founding your own organization, don’t be afraid to share the ride with someone who shares your passion for the cause. Turn your differences into an asset. Play to each others’ strengths. It’s just a lot more fun that way!

Oh! and one more thing. The truth is, there are three of us co-founders. ioby wouldn't be even close to what it is today without Cassie Flynn. But writing from the perspective of three people didn't illustrate the idea quite as well. You get the idea!