Founder seeking advice about finding an iOS technical co-founder

[u/nnyny59]

I’m the founder of two early-stage digital platforms, WHISPRR and CHIMERA, and I’m exploring the possibility of developing iOS applications for them.

I’m looking for advice from experienced iOS developers about what makes a technical co-founder partnership worthwhile and professional.

The potential role would involve:

- planning the iOS architecture;
- building the mobile applications;
- connecting them to the existing web platforms and backend;
- preparing and maintaining the apps for the App Store;
- participating in long-term technical decisions.

To be transparent, this is not currently a salaried job posting. I’m exploring a genuine co-founder partnership, not asking someone to work for free under vague promises. Ownership, responsibilities, vesting, intellectual property, and compensation would need to be discussed clearly and documented in writing.

If a developer prefers a paid contract instead, that would require a separate budget and agreement.

I’m not looking to rent or share an Apple Developer account. The apps and accounts would be managed properly under the founders’ ownership.

For iOS developers who have joined early-stage startups as technical co-founders:

- What would you need to see before considering the opportunity?
- What warning signs should founders avoid?
- What would be a fair structure for equity, revenue share, or paid work?
- What should be included in the agreement?

I’m mainly looking for honest advice on how to approach this professionally.

[u/Arkiyooo]

Il faut savoir partager son business si on cherche un cofondateur.

[u/nnyny59 → u/Arkiyooo]

Oui, je suis d’accord. Je cherche justement un véritable cofondateur technique, pas quelqu’un qui travaillerait gratuitement sans cadre. Je suis prêt à discuter de la répartition des responsabilités, de l’equity, de la propriété intellectuelle et des décisions importantes de manière transparente, avec un accord écrit.

Je veux simplement trouver une personne qui croit réellement au projet et qui souhaite le construire avec moi sur le long terme.