Episode 2: Cofounder Confessions — Love, Lies & Betrayal

Startups are messy. But cofounder relationships? Even messier. In this brutally honest episode of UnicornPrn, Melissa and Lloyed dive into the raw, real, and often ridiculous world of cofounder dynamics—from love stories gone wrong to business partnerships built on shaky foundations.

They read founder DMs and dissect juicy, anonymized tales of startup breakups, equity disputes, silent resentment, power struggles, and control freaks who hoard all the glory. Nothing is off-limits.

Whether your cofounder is your best friend, life partner, or someone you met at a hackathon, this episode will either save your relationship or confirm that it’s time to walk away.

Highlights:

• The equity conversation you’re avoiding (but must have ASAP)
• How to vet a technical cofounder before giving up your cap table
• Real stories: cofounder ghosting, solo resentment, side gigs, and betrayal
• Who should be CEO (Hint: it’s not the one who bought the domain)
• Managing burnout, power dynamics, and communication breakdowns

Hot takes:

• “Cofounder breakups make divorces look polite. Paper it before the kumbaya fades.”
• “You don’t need chemistry. You need someone who answers emails and doesn’t ghost on deadline day.”
• “Most cofounder drama starts with unclear roles and ends with legal fees.”

If you’re carrying the company and they’re carrying their ego… this episode might save your sanity (and your cap table).

Listen. Cringe. Reflect. Maybe renegotiate your equity split.

Contact UnicornPrn

• Find show notes of each episode on UnicornPrn.com - hit subscribe like it owes you money

About our hosts

• Melissa Kwan is Cofounder and CEO of eWebinar, and a 3X bootstrapper who has spent the last 14 years building companies without ever raising a cent of venture capital.
• Lloyed Lobo is a WSJ bestselling author, Cofounder of Boast.AI and Traction founder community, startup advisor, angel investor, board member, and LP in multiple VC funds — he’s seen startup chaos from both sides of the term sheet.
• LinkedIn: Melissa Kwan and Lloyed Lobo
• Instagram: @themelissakwan and @lloyedlobo⁠⁠
• YouTube: @themlissakwan and @StartupTraction
• Subscribe to 'your founder next door' at melissakwan.com, Melissa's bi-monthly newsletter on how to build a company without an abundance of resources and friends in high places.
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