You don't need a cofounder

When I started Jotform, I was met with a question that many entrepreneurs face: Should I find a cofounder or go it alone? Conventional wisdom said I should have a cofounder, but my path led me in a different direction.

I went solo, and it was a decision that profoundly shaped not only the business but also my personal growth.

Here’s why it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Full control over your vision

I almost had a cofounder, but he was more interested in consulting than building forms. Had I partnered with him, Jotform would likely look very different today — if it even existed at all.

By choosing to go solo, I was able to maintain a pure, uncompromised vision for Jotform and focus solely on creating the best possible product, without needing to convince someone else of its value or justify the changes I wanted to implement.

Every decision and strategic pivot was mine alone to make, and as someone who has always valued control and autonomy, this was incredibly invigorating.

Financial benefits

Money is still a great motivator. As a solo founder, you not only get to keep 100% of your company’s equity but also all the profit.

Having full ownership also means you have complete control over the financial strategy of your business. You can decide how much to pay yourself, how much to reinvest, and how to manage cash flow. This level of control can lead to better financial planning and stability, which can result in long-term success for your startup.

When Jotform started making money, I had the freedom of reinvesting profits into key areas like product development and customer support without having to consult or get approval from anyone else.

Learning and growth

When I started Jotform, my experience was limited to coding. Everything else — product management, marketing, customer support, accounting, sales — was uncharted territory. But being a bootstrapped solo founder meant diving headfirst into every role, learning on the job, and growing alongside my business.

By wearing all these hats, I gained a deep, comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the business.

Avoiding unequal contributions

I had a close friend who started a business with a partner who, over time, contributed less and less. Despite my friend putting in most of the hardwork driving the company's success, the rewards were shared equally with his less involved partner.

This imbalance made my friend so stressed that he began to fear success because he knew it would just lead to a more unfair split. Eventually, he ended the partnership and continued the business on his own. The difference in both his attitude and the business in just a few months was night and day. Getting full control not only brought back his motivation but also allowed him to really push the business forward.

The bottom line is that, in a startup partnership, one person usually ends up more committed, growing faster, and working harder.

Unparalleled motivation

Ownership is powerful.

There’s a unique motivation in knowing that every success and failure rests on your shoulders. It fuels your drive to persevere through challenges, and in the startup world where challenges are abundant, you need all the perseverance and motivation you can get!

The unique satisfaction of solo success

Success always feels good, but there’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that every success your company achieves is a direct result of your hard work and determination.

When Jotform reached significant milestones — first 1000 signups, first 100k form submissions, first million users — the sense of pride and accomplishment was immense.

Solo but supported: Key tips for entrepreneurs

I went solo, but I wasn’t alone. I had a few entrepreneur friends who I could talk shop with and actively sought mentorship by way of books and blogs.

I also connected with other entrepreneurs in communities like this one — back then, we had the Business of Software forum. These connections were so valuable, especially in the beginning. Tthey provided camaraderie, helped me navigate the complexities of running a business, and offered different points of view that made my decisions better.

Here are a few insights from my journey to help you in yours:

1. Leverage technology: When I first started, I relied heavily on productivity tools to stay organized. Use project management software, communication tools, and automation to streamline your tasks. These tools can save you time and let you focus on what truly matters — growing your business. I talk about this in-depth here.

2. Stay curious and keep learning: You’re not going to make it if you do not develop a growth mindset and become a sponge. There will never be an end to things to learn. Read books, listen to podcasts, take advantage of YouTube University, or attend industry conferences. Do whatever you need to keep your skills sharp and stay ahead of the curve.

3. Set clear, achievable goals: As a founder, it’s good to have a big vision for your startup, but it’s just as important to set clear goals. Breaking down your vision into short-term and long-term objectives not only keeps you motivated — which can be difficult as a solo founder — but also helps you track your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.

4. Seek feedback: Talk to your customers at every stage. Their feedback matters the most. This will ensure that your product meets their actual needs and not what you think their needs are. By seeking constant feedback, you can also adjust your strategies in real-time based on real-world data.

5. Prioritize self-care: I cannot stress this enough—take care of yourself. This means moving your body, finding a healthy diet you can stick with, maintaining a few good relationships, taking breaks when you need them, and engaging in activities that rejuvenate you. Your business’s health is directly correlated with your own.

If you already have a perfect match as a co-founder, keep going. But don’t feel like you need one to be successful. You don’t.