Solo founders have a tough time raising money because investors worry about your ability to sell your vision. If you can't convince a co-founder to join you, how will you persuade customers or other investors? This fundamental concern makes solo founding the biggest red flag for investors.

Saying you can't afford to hire a team until you get an investment isn't good enough. Visionary leaders like those at Airbnb and Uber attracted top talent without initial funds because their product, mission, and personalities were compelling. Investors want founders who can lead with vision and inspire others.

Having just one person in the team is not ideal. It's slightly better if you have a few employees, but the best scenario is having a co-founder or one or two senior team members. These people should bring different skills, showing that your team is well-rounded and capable of handling various challenges.

Finding a co-founder can be a challenging process. Especially challenging if you don't have the right network. But it's a step you have to take. Look for co-founders through professional networks, industry events, or mutual acquaintances. You need people who believe in your mission. There is a high chance they won’t be able to work full-time initially, but their involvement, even part-time, will have an impact on your team’s credibility.