Our personalities are opposite yet complementary, and fitting to the role each of us has (me, tech: introverted, methodical - him, business: extroverted, chaotic, energetic).
We didn't "fall in love" immediately but we understood that setting our differences apart to work synergically and with his endless determination could get us far enough.
I've been building the product basically by myself for about 4 months while he has been (successfully) pitching and (unsuccessfully) trying to learn some Elixir, all while waiting for me to finish the ambitious product.
Once the excuse of incompleteness went out of the way, we were supposed to be starting to get the first users. He was in charge of the launch which went horribly, so we figured I should take over growth and branding as well and he should get back at pitching.
Now, on one hand we are close to sealing a sizeable pre-seed round, while on the other I'm sure he will not be able to contribute anything else until the next one.
My dilemma is whether it makes sense to endure his incompetence in every other field, get the VC money and lead the creation of a product I'm in love with, or just continue solo and try to learn the skills to overtake his role.
throwfaraway2 @ protonmail.ch
The worst case scenario will be that you have already given them 50% of the company (or any % really). Have you? You will certainly be required to articulate ownership explicitly as part of any "round".
Ethically, you shouldn't go "solo". If you were to break-up and take the idea, he might go ballistic and sue you, etc.
If you actually get the VC money, then perhaps you can get the VCs to see the reality and they might make favourable changes. It probably would be good for your track record to have a successful A-round, etc. Focus on what you are good at and don't spread yourself too thin doing tasks that should be outside your sphere.
If you don't get the VC money and don't start generating revenue soon, then you really have to ask yourself whether you are giving your co-founder a free ride.
Remember 50% of $0 is $0! That's the path for love of the product going sour, very sour.