Businesses on the couch: the co-founders in couples' therapy

Boardroom bust-ups can put friendships on the line. Business partners reveal why they get professional help to resolve their issues

There are plenty of good reasons to set up a business with a co-founder rather than go it alone. A co-founder is another committed financial partner and someone who is likely to bring a vitally different skillset and will be a source of support when the going gets tough. Research by the Kauffman Foundation in the US suggests that co-founder teams can attract 30% more investment and can increase their customer base more quickly, improving business survival rates.

But there is still a lot to consider before taking on a co-founder. Startup life is stressful and sometimes is it's all too easy to take it out on the only other person in the same boat as you: your business partner.