St Mark’s Clock in Venice, Italy is one of several large public astronomical clocks erected throughout Europe between the 14th and 15th centuries (Photo: James Lee/Unsplash)
Cover St Mark’s Clock in Venice, Italy is an astronomical clock with a zodiac dial that was inaugurated in 1497 (Photo: James Lee/Unsplash)
St Mark’s Clock in Venice, Italy is one of several large public astronomical clocks erected throughout Europe between the 14th and 15th centuries (Photo: James Lee/Unsplash)

When choosing a co-founder, you need compatibility, understanding, respect—and astrological alignment. Astrologer Shubhra Venneti shares which zodiac signs are most compatible and which might need extra effort

When embarking on a new business venture with a partner, it’s not just about finding someone with complementary skills; it’s also about recognising how each person’s innate characteristics and tendencies affect the way they work, make decisions and communicate. Often, these characteristics can be influenced by an individual’s zodiac sign.

These insights can help you build empathy and compassion for each other’s challenges while fostering an environment where both co-founders can thrive. Understanding how to play to each other’s strengths and navigate weaknesses allows for a smoother collaboration. It also ensures that each person’s unique qualities are leveraged, leading to a more harmonious and productive partnership.

Whether starting a new venture or managing an existing one, knowing the astrological dynamics between co-founders can be a powerful tool to enhance synergy, reduce conflict and ultimately achieve shared goals.

Read more: Leaders, here’s how to lead better in the Year of the Snake

Aries as a co-founder

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Aries (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Aries (Photo: Getty Images)
Aries (Photo: Getty Images)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, embodying the spirit of leadership, action and initiative. They thrive in fast-paced environments and excel at making quick decisions, earning them the title of “the army generals” of the zodiac. Aries co-founders are visionaries who love kickstarting ideas and executing them with speed and precision. Their sharp minds, high energy and generosity make them compelling leaders, but their “my way or the highway” approach can sometimes lead to tension.

Best co-founder matches

  • Libra (opposite sign): Aries finds balance in Libra, the sign of diplomacy and harmony. While Aries focuses on their personal vision, Libra excels at bringing people together and smoothing over conflicts. This dynamic can create a strong leadership duo where Aries drives the vision, and Libra ensures seamless execution and collaboration.
  • Fire signs (Leo and Sagittarius): These signs share Aries’ passion and enthusiasm. Leo brings charisma and long-term vision, while Sagittarius fuels innovation and adaptability. Together, they create dynamic teams driven by ambition and action.
  • Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): While not always the easiest match, earth signs provide structure and grounding for Aries’ high-energy ideas. Capricorn, in particular, helps Aries see the long-term strategy, while Virgo refines details and Taurus ensures consistency.

Potential challenges

Virgo and Pisces are potential challenging signs for Aries. Aries’ headstrong nature may clash with Virgo’s methodical and altruistic tendencies while Aries’ direct and action-oriented approach can feel disconnected from Pisces’ dreamy, intuitive nature, making collaboration difficult.

Read more: Buddy Bites’ Ryan Black on co-founder dynamics and supporting dog shelters

Taurus as a co-founder

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Taurus (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Taurus (Photo: Getty Images)
Taurus (Photo: Getty Images)

Taurus, the second zodiac sign, is known for its stability, reliability and work ethic. As a fixed sign, Taurus values consistency and structure, making them ideal for long-term business strategies. Sensual and deeply connected to the material world, they excel in industries that require attention to detail, aesthetics and tangible results.

Best co-founder matches

  • Scorpio (opposite sign): Taurus and Scorpio form a power duo of strategy and execution. While Taurus focuses on creating high-quality, material results, Scorpio masterminds behind the scenes with calculated, black-and-white decision-making. Their shared focus on value and loyalty makes them strong business partners.
  • Earth signs (Virgo and Capricorn): These signs share Taurus’ dedication to hard work. Virgo excels at refining processes, while Capricorn ensures the long-term vision is met.
  • Water signs (Cancer and Pisces): Cancer brings emotional intelligence and intuition, complementing Taurus’ practical mindset. Pisces, though more abstract, can help Taurus think beyond material goals.

Potential challenges

Taurus generally works well with most signs, though Aries’ fiery impulsiveness may sometimes clash with Taurus’ methodical nature. However, other planetary influences in their charts can mitigate potential conflicts.

Read more: Should you get a co-founder?

Gemini as a co-founder

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Gemini (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Gemini (Photo: Getty Images)
Gemini (Photo: Getty Images)

Geminis are the communicators and ideators of the zodiac. They thrive on curiosity, constantly exploring new ideas through conversation and intellectual engagement. They are quick-witted, adaptable, and always in search of stimulating discussions.

However, their love of variety can make them seem mercurial, as they are more invested in generating ideas than in following through on them. Their strengths lie in their ability to connect, articulate and think on their feet—making them excellent in roles related to media, PR and networking.

Best co-founder matches

  • Sagittarius (Opposite Sign): Gemini’s best counterpart is often their opposite sign, Sagittarius, which provides a sense of adventure and a shared love of learning. Sagittarius helps Gemini stay inspired and push ideas into action, while Gemini fuels Sagittarius’ curiosity with new perspectives and information.
  • Air signs (Libra and Aquarius): These signs complement Gemini’s intellectual energy, fostering stimulating discussions and shared ideas. Libra brings balance and strategy, while Aquarius offers innovation and visionary thinking.
  • Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Earth signs help ground Gemini’s restless energy and offer execution to their ever-expanding visionary minds. Capricorn, in particular, provides long-term strategy, Virgo refines processes and planning and Taurus ensures consistency.

Potential challenges

Gemini’s tendency to jump from one thought to another may cause friction with Cancer’s need for deep emotional connection and stability. They may also find friction with Pisces signs as a Gemini is more logical than a Pisces, who often prefers to “go with the flow”. But it’s the follow-through that could be problematic with this partnership, as they’re both big, visionary thinkers, not always doers. Execution is crucial, so having a third person on the team would help achieve that balance.    

Read more: Should I date a Gemini? A guide to astrological compatibility in love, business and life

Cancer as a co-founder

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Cancer (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Cancer (Photo: Getty Images)
Cancer (Photo: Getty Images)

Cancer is the nurturer of the zodiac signs, deeply connected to emotions, intuition and the home. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is highly empathetic, absorbing the emotions of those around them like a sponge. They are natural caregivers, providing comfort and support to others, but they must be mindful of their emotional boundaries. Their ability to hold space for others and understand their emotions makes them excellent team players. While they offer unwavering loyalty and protection to loved ones, their emotions can ebb and flow like the tides, making them prone to mood swings and periods of introspection.

Best co-founder matches

  • Capricorn: Capricorns provide the structure and long-term planning that complements Cancer’s nurturing and emotional approach. This pairing creates a balanced and effective leadership dynamic.
  • Water signs (Pisces and Scorpio): These signs share Cancer’s emotional depth and intuitive nature, fostering a strong understanding and connection.
  • Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Earth signs provide grounding and practicality, helping Cancer manifest its vision.

Potential challenges

In contrast, Aquarians may be too focused on the big picture and less attuned to the emotional needs of Cancer, leading to potential misunderstandings.

Read more: The founder’s farewell: Why and when to leave your startup

Leo as a co-founder

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Leo (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Leo (Photo: Getty Images)
Leo (Photo: Getty Images)

Leos are charismatic, passionate and inspiring leaders. They thrive in the spotlight and enjoy taking charge. Their natural confidence and enthusiasm can motivate and energise their team. However, they may need to be mindful of their ego and ensure they are not overshadowing others.

Best co-founder matches

  • Aquarius: Aquarians bring a broader perspective and focus on the collective, balancing Leo’s individualistic approach. This partnership fosters innovation and social impact.
  • Fire signs (Aries and Sagittarius): These signs share Leo’s passion and drive, creating a dynamic and ambitious team.
  • Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Earth signs provide stability and practicality, helping Leo ground their ideas and achieve their goals.

Potential challenges

While not necessarily a dealbreaker, fixed signs such as Scorpio & Taurus will share Leo’s strong will and fixed opinions, which could lead to occasional clashes.

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Virgo as a co-founder

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Virgo (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Virgo (Photo: Getty Images)
Virgo (Photo: Getty Images)

Virgos are analytical, detail-oriented, and practical leaders. They excel at creating efficient systems and processes. Their dedication to service and problem-solving makes them valuable assets to any team. However, they may need to be mindful of their perfectionism and avoid getting bogged down in details.

Best co-founder matches

  • Pisces: Pisces brings the creativity and visionary thinking that complements Virgo’s grounded and practical approach. This pairing creates a balanced and effective leadership dynamic, where dreams become reality.
  • Earth signs (Taurus and Capricorn): These signs share Virgo’s practicality and work ethic, creating a stable and productive team.
  • Water signs (Cancer and Scorpio): Water signs can help Virgo connect with their intuition and emotions, adding depth and understanding to their leadership style.

Potential challenges

Virgos must watch out for Aries’ impulsive nature and tendency to overlook details. These differences in working styles clash with Virgo’s meticulous approach.

Read more: Lab Studios’ Jasmine Chong combines instinct and a dash of impulse to lead the company

Libra as a co-founder

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Libra (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Libra (Photo: Getty Images)
Libra (Photo: Getty Images)

Libra is the sign of balance, harmony and diplomacy. Ruled by Venus, it values beauty, fairness, and peaceful relationships. Libra is a natural mediator, always striving to create equilibrium in both personal and professional settings. They are social, charming and cooperative, but their desire to maintain harmony can sometimes lead to indecision or people-pleasing. While they enjoy intellectual and aesthetic pursuits, they may avoid confrontation, preferring to keep interactions congenial and amicable.

Best co-founder matches

  • Aries (opposite sign): Aries brings directness and boldness to balance Libra’s diplomacy. While Aries focuses on their personal vision, Libra excels at fostering relationships and smoothing over conflicts, making them a formidable duo.
  • Air signs (Gemini and Aquarius): These signs provide intellectual stimulation and shared enthusiasm for ideas, helping Libra stay engaged and inspired.
  • Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): These signs offer structure and grounding, helping Libra turn ideas into tangible results with long-term stability.

Potential challenges

Scorpio: Libra’s preference for laid back interactions may contrast with Scorpio’s emotional intensity. Libra’s diplomatic and carefree nature may feel frustrating to Cancer, who seeks deep emotional connection and moxie.

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Scorpio as a co-founder

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Scorpio (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Scorpio (Photo: Getty Images)
Scorpio (Photo: Getty Images)

When it comes to business, Scorpio is all or nothing. They are deeply committed, relentless in their pursuit of success, and incredibly strategic. They don’t just skim the surface—they dive deep, uncovering hidden details and ensuring that no stone is left unturned. With an intuitive and almost psychic ability to sense motives, they make formidable leaders and business partners.

However, Scorpios can also be intensely private, fiercely independent and unwilling to compromise if they believe they are right. Their ability to transform and evolve is a strength, but their resistance to letting go of deeply ingrained beliefs can sometimes hold them back. They thrive in environments where their strategic brilliance is valued and where trust and loyalty are paramount.

Scorpio is a force of nature, embodying resilience, depth, and the ability to rise from the ashes stronger than before. Whether in health or business, their greatest lesson lies in mastering the art of release—letting go of what no longer serves them so they can step into an even more powerful version of themselves.

Best co-founder matches

  • Taurus: Taurus, the steady and determined earth sign, provides a perfect counterbalance to Scorpio’s intensity. While Scorpio devises the grand plan, Taurus ensures that every step is methodically executed. Taurus is pragmatic and focused on experience, while Scorpio is focused on strategy and the ‘why’ behind their mission. Together, they create a power duo that blends vision with practical execution.
  • Aries: Both ruled by Mars, these two signs share an unparalleled drive and determination. Aries brings the fiery energy needed to initiate projects, while Scorpio ensures follow-through with meticulous planning. Aries pushes forward with enthusiasm, while Scorpio refines and perfects the details. The key to their success lies in Scorpio’s ability to temper Aries’ impulsiveness and Aries’ ability to push Scorpio out of over-analysis.
  • Water Signs (Cancer, Pisces): Scorpio pairs well with Cancer and Pisces due to their shared intuitive nature. Cancer’s nurturing energy can soften Scorpio’s intensity, while Pisces brings creativity and a sense of spiritual purpose. These partnerships thrive in industries that require emotional intelligence, such as psychology, healing arts, or creative fields.

Potential challenges

Scorpio may struggle to work with air signs—Gemini, Libra, Aquarius—due to their lighter, more detached approach to life. While Scorpio wants depth and loyalty, air signs prefer flexibility and freedom. A Scorpio partner might find it frustrating when an air sign moves on to the next idea before fully committing.

While Scorpio can respect the determination of fixed signs Leo, Aquarius and fellow Scorpios, conflicts arise when both parties refuse to budge. These relationships require an understanding that transformation doesn’t mean losing control but rather evolving together.

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Sagittarius as a co-founder

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Sagittarius (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Sagittarius (Photo: Getty Images)
Sagittarius (Photo: Getty Images)

Sagittarius is the adventurer and truth-seeker of the zodiac. Symbolised by the centaur aiming its arrow toward the horizon, Sagittarians are driven by exploration, curiosity and the pursuit of higher knowledge. They are spontaneous, optimistic and independent, often seeking experiences that expand their understanding of the world. While their free-spirited nature makes them exciting and inspiring, it can also lead to impulsivity with a problem with follow-through. 

Best co-founder matches

  • Gemini (opposite sign): Sagittarius and Gemini share a love for learning, travel, and stimulating conversation. While Gemini generates endless possibilities, Sagittarius takes the bold leaps necessary to bring ideas to life.
  • Fire Signs (Aries and Leo): These signs match Sagittarius’ energy and passion, with Aries adding drive and Leo bringing charisma and leadership.
  • Air Signs (Libra and Aquarius): Libra enhances Sagittarius’ networking abilities, while Aquarius brings visionary thinking and a rebellious edge.

Potential challenges

Sagittarius’ need for freedom and resistance to emotional depth may be difficult for Cancer, who values security and attachment. Sagittarius’ spontaneous nature may also frustrate Virgo’s methodical and detail-oriented mindset.

Read more: 20,000 users in 48 hours: YouTrip CEO Caecilia Chu on nailing product-market fit

Capricorn as a co-founder

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Capricorn (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Capricorn (Photo: Getty Images)
Capricorn (Photo: Getty Images)

Capricorn is the strategic architect of the zodiac, bringing discipline, long-term vision and relentless ambition to any venture. As natural leaders, they prioritise structure, efficiency and results, ensuring that their business stands the test of time. Known for their practicality and patience, Capricorn co-founders build companies with solid foundations, focusing on sustainability rather than quick wins. 

They are methodical decision-makers, driven by responsibility and a deep commitment to success. However, their serious, no-nonsense approach can sometimes come across as stoic or overly work-focused.

Best co-founder matches

  • Cancer (opposite sign): Capricorn finds emotional depth and nurturing support in Cancer. While Capricorn is focused on external achievements, Cancer ensures the team’s well-being, fostering loyalty and long-term stability. This balance of ambition and care creates a strong, sustainable compatibility in business.
  • Earth signs (Taurus and Virgo): These signs align with Capricorn’s pragmatic and disciplined nature. Taurus provides persistence and financial acumen, while Virgo offers meticulous planning and adaptability. Together, they create a powerhouse of efficiency and long-term success.
  • Scorpio and Pisces (water signs): Water signs add emotional intelligence and visionary thinking to Capricorn’s structured mindset. Scorpio shares Capricorn’s intensity and strategic depth, while Pisces brings creativity and adaptability.

Potential challenges

Gemini and Sagittarius: Capricorn’s need for stability may clash with these signs’ love for spontaneity and flexibility, leading to frustration in decision-making.

Aries: The partnership between an Aries and Capricorn can go two ways: It can be golden and transformative, with Aries’s quick decision-making, impulsive and fast-moving style complementing Capricorn’s measured, long-term approach. On the flip side, this dissonance can cause tension, especially if they’re not aligned with the same vision. 

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Aquarius as a co-founder

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Aquarius (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Aquarius (Photo: Getty Images)
Aquarius (Photo: Getty Images)

Aquarians are visionary, innovative and driven by a deep desire to serve the collective. They thrive on new ideas, pushing boundaries and pioneering social impact through their work. Their ability to influence teams and peers with their big-picture thinking makes them exceptional leaders, particularly in tech or social impact ventures. However, their fixed nature can sometimes make them resistant to altering their vision, which could create tension in a partnership if their ideas aren’t readily embraced by others.

Best co-founder matches

Leo: The dynamic balance between Aquarius’ vision for the collective and Leo’s drive for personal expression fosters creativity and innovation. Together, they create a powerful team capable of executing big ideas with both heart and clarity.

Other Air signs (Gemini and Libra): These signs share Aquarius’ intellectual and communicative strengths, making them ideal partners in generating and executing ideas.

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Earth signs offer stability and grounded practicality, which can help Aquarius turn their visions into tangible results.

Potential challenges

Aquarians and fixed signs such as Scorpio and Taurus may occasionally clash due to their shared fixed nature; all parties might have strong, unchanging opinions. Finding a compromise could be challenging, but if they can all find a compromise and agree, they will be in it for the long haul.

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Pisces as a co-founder

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Pisces (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Pisces (Photo: Getty Images)
Pisces (Photo: Getty Images)

Pisceans are intuitive, highly creative and deeply connected to their imagination. Their ability to channel ideas from other realms or dimensions allows them to bring unique, visionary concepts to the table. However, Pisces can sometimes feel ungrounded and disconnected from the physical world, which may create challenges in turning their ideas into tangible outcomes. Their best partnerships come from those who can help ground and materialise their visions.

Best co-founder matches

Virgo: As opposites in the zodiac, Virgo’s grounded, systematic nature balances well with Pisces’ boundless creativity. Pisces provides visionary ideas, while Virgo ensures that these ideas are executed with precision and structure. This dynamic is often likened to the “fifth dimension” materialising in the “third dimension”.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Capricorn): Earth signs bring the stability and practicality Pisces needs to bring their dreams into physical reality.

Fire Signs (Leo): Leos can push Piscean ideas forward while also understanding their passion and creativity. The combination of a creative dreamer (Pisces) and a charismatic leader (Leo) can lead to impactful, visionary outcomes.

Potential challenges

The Aries-Pisces pairing may struggle due to their differing approaches. Aries is often more direct and self-focused, while Pisces is introspective and deeply imaginative. However, with mutual understanding, they can still find common ground in creative endeavours.

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