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Co-founder4 min read

Run a trial project before you commit

Two to four weeks of real work together tells you more than months of coffee meetings. Here's how to set it up.

You learn how someone works by working with them. A trial project is a short, low-risk way to do that before anyone signs anything or gets any equity.

Set it up

  1. 1
    Choose a real goalSomething that matters for the company and can be done in 2–4 weeks: 15 customer interviews, a clickable prototype, a landing page with 100 sign-ups.
  2. 2
    Split the workEach person owns clear tasks with deadlines. Mix it so you also see each other outside your comfort zones.
  3. 3
    Agree on the rulesWho owns what's built during the trial (usually: the future company, or whoever brought the idea if you split up). Sign a simple NDA if you share sensitive details.
  4. 4
    Check in every week15–30 minutes: done, not done, stuck. Notice how problems are raised.
  5. 5
    Review honestlyAt the end, each answers alone: did they deliver? Was it easy to work together? Would I want to do this for five years? Then compare.

What to watch

  • Do they do what they say, when they say?
  • Do they bring bad news early, or hide it?
  • How do they handle disagreement?
  • Do they make progress without being pushed?
  • Do you have more energy or less after working together?
If the trial goes badly, end it kindly and quickly. A month lost now is much cheaper than a broken company in two years.
Do it together on FoundmatesPut the trial tasks in Tasks with owners and deadlines, and check in weekly.
Open Tasks in your workspace
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General information, not legal, tax or investment advice.

Run a trial project before you commit · Foundmates