co-founder
UK: /ˌkəʊˈfaʊn.dər/ | US: /ˌkoʊˈfaʊn.dər/
n. a person who collaborates with one or more others to establish an organization, business, or project.
co-founder = co<together/with> + founder<one who establishes>
- co-: A prefix from Latin cum meaning "together" or "with." In modern usage, it denotes joint action or partnership (e.g., cooperate, coauthor).
- founder: Derived from Old French fondeur, from Latin fundator ("one who lays a base"), from fundare ("to found"). Retains the core meaning of initiating or establishing something.
Etymology Origin:
The word co-founder emerged in the mid-19th century, combining co- (emphasizing collaboration) with founder (highlighting the act of creation). It reflects the growing importance of teamwork in entrepreneurship, contrasting with the solitary connotation of founder. The prefix co- logically extends the original term to acknowledge shared responsibility.
She is the co-founder of a successful tech startup.
The two co-founders split the company’s equity equally.
As a co-founder, his role includes strategic planning.
The co-founders disagreed on the product’s direction.
They met in college and later became co-founders of a nonprofit.