When does one become a &quot;founder&quot; of a business?
<p>When does one become a "founder" of a business? For example, would it be when work on the business starts or when the business is incorporated? Such events could be years apart.</p>

<p>"Founder" is a common term used in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Startup_company#Co-founders" rel="nofollow">startup community</a>.</p>

<p>The SEC refers to founders in <a href="http://www.sec.gov/info/smallbus/formddefinitions.htm" rel="nofollow">its definition of "promoter"</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Any person who, acting alone or in conjunction with one or more other persons, directly or indirectly takes initiative in founding and organizing the business or enterprise of an issuer</p>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>I think your question is one of semantics. So the answer depends on context.</strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>For example, if you are chatting with your friends, the answer could be when you start working on a new business idea that you one day hope will make money.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if you are talking to VC investors it might be when you file the legal paperwork for your patent(s) or your corporation.</p>

<p>Semantics depend on context.</p>

business ownership