Cofounder Matching Program 2026 – Startup and Side Project Collaboration
Join our community-driven matching program where founders and joiners connect through trial collaboration — build together, test compatibility, and explore long-term partnership opportunities.
👥 What is Cofounder Matching Program?
A structured 2-week program designed to help project lead find cofounders or early collaborators through short-term, high-signal collaboration.
🛠️ How It Works
Registration (by Feb. 5): submit 1-page PPT for introduction on your project (for project lead) or on yourself (for collaborator). You will have 5-10 mins on the Pitch & Match meeting to present your idea or for yourself.
You may use the PPT template below. And you may upload your pitch deck if ready.
PPT template: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/130K3SR2Lyv0u4bVIriVrl_FuWZTLsqmHPlease upload your PPT and / or pitch deck to the same folder above.
Pitch & Match Meeting (Feb 6): Founders and collaborators are meeting online.
Trial Collaboration (Feb 7–Feb 20): Select 1–3 tasks to test working dynamics. Tasks including tech development, customer interview, investor feedback, etc.
Wrap-up Reflection (Feb 27): What clicked? What’s next?
Fireside Chat (Mar 12)
🤝 Multiple Matches Encouraged
– Founders can match with only one or multiple collaborators.
– Collaborators can join only one or more trial projects.
🟧 Who Should Join?
Founders:
Have a startup idea or MVP
Looking for technical or biz cofounder
Willing to design a 2-week collaborative task
Collaborators:
Curious about startups
Want to try before committing
Have skillsets in tech, product, design, BD...
🟫 What You’ll Get
✅ Real human connections
✅ Trial tasks for real-world experience
✅ Early access to rising founders
✅ Optional feedback from investors or advisors
🟦 Timeline
Jan 16–Feb 5: Registration and submit intro slide
Feb 6: Pitch & Match meeting (Zoom)
Feb 7–Feb 20: Trial work
Feb 27: Wrap-up Meeting
🌱 Building Your Own Cofounder Matching Event
We’re always looking for community builders and system thinkers who want to run the next Cofounder Matching Program!
If you'd like to design and host a future session (on your campus, in your field, or for your own founder community), let us know.
We’d love to co-create with you.
Register for the event and bring your idea to us.
👥 Community Group
Scan the QR code below to join our WeChat community for real-time updates and networking.
We’ll share event announcements, trial collaboration opportunities, and post-event resources with all members.
🤝 Event Organizers
This event is proudly co-hosted by the following communities:
Career Voyage（职挂云帆）
A community dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills, gain deeper industry insights, and expand their career networks.
DFW IT Association
Empower IT professionals to sharpen their skills, raise industry standards, and advance their careers through technology, leadership, and community service.
Career Up Club
Building a supportive professional community that fosters connection, growth, and a strong sense of belonging.
Disclaimer
The Cofounder Matching Program is a community-driven initiative designed to facilitate early-stage collaboration between individuals interested in entrepreneurship. By participating in this program, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Voluntary Participation
All participation is voluntary and exploratory in nature. The program does not guarantee the formation of cofounder relationships, company creation, or financial outcomes.No Legal or Financial Binding
This program does not constitute any legal partnership, employment relationship, or binding agreement between participants.Independent Responsibility
All trial collaborations, communication, and arrangements between participants are conducted at their own discretion and risk. We encourage clear communication, expectation alignment, and written agreements if needed.No Liability
The organizers shall not be held liable for any conflicts, disputes, losses, or damages that arise from connections, collaborations, or communications facilitated through this program.Confidentiality
Participants are advised not to share sensitive IP or confidential information without mutual consent and appropriate protection mechanisms.