Starting a business with your spouse isn't just a joint venture—it's a blending of your personal and professional lives that can lead to extraordinary success or, if mismanaged, create unique challenges. For my wife, Natalie, and me, who have been together since high school, building businesses together has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, we've built over 20 companies together, and I've learned that the most successful ones are those where we've been fully aligned—not just in business, but in life.
Our Journey as a Couple in Business
Our entrepreneurial journey began shortly after high school when we founded Cody Window Cleaning. What started as a small venture quickly grew, and that was just the beginning. Over time, we expanded into various industries, built franchises, and developed a system where our complementary skills played a crucial role.
I'm the dreamer—the one constantly envisioning new possibilities and avenues for growth. Natalie, on the other hand, is the realist—she brings practicality, strong business acumen, and unwavering support. Together, we've built a foundation where each of us brings something essential to the table.
The Importance of Alignment
One of the toughest times we had as partners in starting businesses came when we built a better software company and decided to take on venture capital investment. What I didn't realize at the time was that many VCs have a bias against spouses working together. For some reason, they prefer two strangers coming together as co-founders rather than a married couple.
Natalie and I had always worked well together, but when the VCs came in, they wanted me to fire her. Of course, I wouldn't do that. But they pushed for her to take a backseat, which I reluctantly agreed to at the time. Looking back, that's one of my biggest regrets. I should never have let that happen. It wasn't fair to Natalie, and it wasn't true to our partnership.
I've since spoken with many other couples trying to raise money, and they've faced similar challenges. It's a common struggle for entrepreneurial couples—sometimes, external investors don't understand the strength of a partnership built on mutual respect and trust. But those who push for you to separate your personal and professional lives often overlook the fact that a shared vision and deep personal alignment can be powerful assets in building a successful business.
Statistics and Insights
Research backs up what we've observed. A recent study revealed that 53% of startup founders believe that working with a spouse adds emotional stakes to the business. That extra emotional investment can be a double-edged sword, making alignment and mutual support even more crucial.
Moreover, businesses founded by couples have a 6% higher survival rate over a 10-year period compared to those started by single founders. This statistic speaks to the potential stability and resilience that spousal partnerships can bring. The key here is having a unified front—a partnership that stands strong through challenges and celebrates successes together.
Success Stories: Couples Who've Thrived Together
When it comes to entrepreneurial couples who have found success, there are many noteworthy examples. Julia and Kevin Hartz, founders of Eventbrite, serve as an inspiring example. Along with co-founder Renaud Visage, they transformed their idea into one of the most successful event management platforms in the world. Their partnership helped the company grow to such an extent that it was later publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Similarly, Susan and Eric Koger, who founded Modcloth out of their college dorm, built a highly successful retail brand by leveraging their shared vision and complementary skills. They went on to sell Modcloth to Walmart, further validating the power of a strong spousal partnership in business.
Both of these examples showcase how well-functioning partnerships can bring about remarkable success, and how the alignment of goals and values can propel a business forward.
The Challenges of Partnership
Starting and running a business with your spouse isn't all smooth sailing. It requires a level of mutual understanding, respect, and alignment of personal and professional values. There will be disagreements, tough decisions, and moments when the personal side of the partnership collides with the business side.
But what we've found is that when you have a strong, unified foundation, you can navigate those tough times more effectively. It's essential to continually check in with each other—not just about the business but about how you're both feeling personally. These regular conversations help ensure you're both on the same page and support each other's growth.
The Key to Success: Strong Personal Foundations
For couples considering this path, remember that success doesn't just lie in a great business idea; it's in the strength of the relationship that supports those ideas. Whether it's navigating disagreements or celebrating wins, the foundation of your partnership is essential for long-term success.
Just like any business strategy, building and growing your relationship requires effort and ongoing attention. Take time to ensure that your personal alignment remains strong—after all, it's just as crucial as your business strategy.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
The entrepreneurial journey as a couple is one of growth, learning, and building something that lasts. There will be ups and downs, but if you can build a solid personal and professional partnership, the rewards are endless.
By embracing your complementary skills, maintaining clear communication, and ensuring alignment in your goals, you can create a business that's built to last. So, if you're considering starting a business with your spouse, know that you're not just building a business—you're building a lasting partnership that can lead to great things.