Entrepreneurship · Self-paced course
Partnerships & Co-Founder Agreements
Think through choosing a partner, aligning on roles and vision, equity and vesting concepts, decisions, agreements, disputes, and exits before committing.
$350
One-time payment · Self-paced course · 6 modules · 18 lessons
Enroll now — $350Read a free preview lesson
What this is
Going into business with someone else can multiply your skills and energy, but it also ties your future to shared decisions and shared ownership. This course walks you through the conversations partners often skip: whether you need a partner at all, how to evaluate one, how to align on vision and roles, how equity and vesting concepts work, how to make decisions and handle deadlocks, what agreements typically cover, and how to plan for disputes and exits. It is educational only, not legal advice, and encourages you to consult qualified professionals about your own situation.
You work through it at your own pace, lesson by lesson, applying each exercise to your own situation. It does not promise that a business will succeed or earn a particular amount; results depend on your market, your decisions and your effort.
What you will be able to do
- Decide whether your business genuinely needs a partner or could use alternatives instead.
- Evaluate potential partners using trial projects and candid conversations about money and risk.
- Align with a partner on vision, values, roles, time commitment, and money expectations.
- Explain common equity split factors, vesting, cliffs, and how non-cash contributions are documented.
- Create a decision matrix, meeting rhythm, and deadlock plan for your partnership.
The curriculum
Partnership Foundations
- What a Business Partnership Really Involves
- Deciding Whether You Need a Partner
- Evaluating Potential Partners
Aligning on Vision and Roles
- Aligning on Vision and Values
- Defining Roles and Responsibilities
- Setting Expectations on Time and Money
Equity and Vesting Concepts
- Understanding Equity Split Concepts
- How Vesting Works
- Valuing Contributions Beyond Cash
Making Decisions Together
- Designing Decision Rights
- Communication Rhythms Between Partners
- Handling Deadlocks
What Agreements Typically Cover
- What Co-Founder Agreements Typically Cover
- Intellectual Property and Confidentiality Concepts
- Working With a Qualified Professional
Disputes, Exits, and Your Playbook
- Resolving Disagreements Before They Escalate
- Planning for Partner Exits
- Building Your Partnership Playbook
This is for you if…
- You are starting or running a business with a partner
- You want roles, equity and decisions discussed openly
- You want the key terms of an agreement in writing
- You want a plan for disagreements and exits
What you get
- 6 modules and 18 lessons, self-paced
- A short practical exercise at the end of every lesson
- A free preview lesson so you can check the format before you buy
- Access in your CourseVu account after a one-time payment
- A clear, ordered path from the fundamentals to applying the skill in your own work
Questions
Do I need any experience to start?
This course is for anyone considering starting a business with a partner, already in an early partnership without written agreements, or wanting to understand partnership concepts before talking to a professional. It suits first-time founders and experienced business owners alike, and no legal or financial background is needed.
How long does it take?
It is self-paced. There are 6 modules and 18 lessons, and you can move through them as quickly or slowly as suits you.
Can I see a lesson before I buy?
Yes. Use the "Read a free preview lesson" button to open a full lesson from the course before you enroll.
Does this promise income or business results?
No. It does not promise that a business will succeed or earn a particular amount; results depend on your market, your decisions and your effort.
Does this include a certification or credential?
No. This is a practical skills course for your own learning. It does not award a certification, licence or professional credential.
Educational content only. No income, revenue or earnings results are promised or implied. What you get out of this depends entirely on your own effort, circumstances and market. Earnings disclaimer.