A software / internet company doesn't have to build factories, doesn't have to build hardware, doesn't have to coordinate nearly as complex a marketing campaign, doesn't have to raise as much money, and doesn't have to have as many engineering disciplines on staff.
Thus, where Apple neede hardware and software and marketing guys (really three founders, though Woz should count double)... plentyoffish.com only needs one guy. And when Apple was at the revenue level pof is at now, I think they probably had a thousand employees, probably at least hundreds.
so, the requirement for multiple founders (if it ever existed) is now less likely.
I know I'm not answering your question because its an academic question for me-- I've chosen my path already.
I think really, at the end of the day, number of founders has no factor on the success of startups, but founder fights are a significant factor in startup failure.
So, whether you are solo, or you have 5 other founders, you need harmony between you and your other founders and/or you and your other employees, to have success.
Thus, where Apple neede hardware and software and marketing guys (really three founders, though Woz should count double)... plentyoffish.com only needs one guy. And when Apple was at the revenue level pof is at now, I think they probably had a thousand employees, probably at least hundreds.
so, the requirement for multiple founders (if it ever existed) is now less likely.
I know I'm not answering your question because its an academic question for me-- I've chosen my path already.
I think really, at the end of the day, number of founders has no factor on the success of startups, but founder fights are a significant factor in startup failure.
So, whether you are solo, or you have 5 other founders, you need harmony between you and your other founders and/or you and your other employees, to have success.