Let’s get one thing straight.
Being a founder isn’t just a fancy title.
It’s a badge of honor.
A recognition of the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to start a company from scratch.
Founders Know the Real Grind
Founders are the ones who:
- Sleep on couches while maxing out credit cards.
- Face the doubts and “no’s” from investors.
- Wear all the hats—from CEO to janitor, especially in those early days.
And that’s not something you can just buy into.
Even if you’re the new owner.
Investments and Acquisitions Don’t Make You a Founder
These past few months, I’ve been buying companies left and right.
But guess what?
I would never call myself a CoFounder of those companies.
Not even close.
Why?
Because I didn’t earn that title by being there from day one.
I didn’t feel the weight of uncertainty that real founders carry.
I didn’t build that foundation.
Respect the Effort: It’s More Than Ownership
Think about it.
Being a founder is about respect.
Respect for the journey, the sleepless nights, and the hard choices.
Sure, I own these companies now.
But I didn’t earn the right to say I built them from scratch.
And that’s a big difference.
Ownership vs. Foundership: Know the Difference
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ownership: You have the assets, the shares, and the control.
- Foundership: You have the legacy, the respect, and the real story.
One is given. The other is earned.
So Why Does This Matter?
Because titles matter.
They tell the story of who did what, who took the risks, and who made the tough calls.
It’s about honoring the people who put in the work when no one else would.
The Real Takeaway?
Next time you think about slapping a “CoFounder” title on your LinkedIn because you bought into a company—think twice.
Ask yourself:
Did I put in the grind?
Did I weather the storm?
Did I build from day one?
If not, then maybe, just maybe, it’s not your title to claim.
Respect the grind. Respect the title.
It’s not just about the ownership.
It’s about earning it.
