In the era of side hustles, flexible work, and more independence and autonomy, entrepreneurship feels worth the risk for many, and they’re even willing to take on the challenge with their romantic partner. From brainstorming sessions over dinner to business plans that double as date nights, co-founding couples are blending love and labor in pursuit of a shared purpose.
Intuit dug into what entrepreneurship within romantic partnerships really looks like. So before you take a professional leap with your significant other, here’s what the people who are building businesses together have to say:
Shared Goals, Shared Grind
Many couples are finding that building something together is the ultimate love language. When asked what inspired them to start a business with their partner, the top answer cited was because they wanted to reach shared financial goals (56%), followed by more control and independence within their career (49%), and to pursue a shared passion (48%).
Many feel that entrepreneurship has actually strengthened their relationship (69%), especially among Black couples (76%), acting as a unifying force and fostering growth in several key areas of partnership:
- 89% say working together has improved communication
- 94% agree that their business success feels more meaningful because it’s shared
- 81% feel they couldn’t have started or maintained their business without their partner
Balancing Love and Labor
However, for entrepreneurial couples, every day is a juggling act between business deadlines and date nights:
- 70% say business matters sometimes take priority over their relationship needs
- 68% admit that balancing both business and romance is harder than expected
- 57% struggle to “clock out” and separate work from personal life, especially during busy seasons (49%) and weekends (41%)
That said, many are trying to establish some boundaries, with 83% saying they have been able to establish clear lines between work and home life, and 77% try to avoid business talk after hours.
When it comes to conflict, co-founders say the top areas that cause the biggest disagreements between them and their partner when running a business together are:
- Work-life balance (48%)
- Finances and budgeting (48%)
- Operations and day-to-day tasks (36%)
A New Kind of Admiration Unlocked
Entrepreneurship also shifts how couples perceive one another. Since launching their ventures, co-founders report a deepened appreciation for specific qualities in their partners, including:
- Their partner’s dedication (51%)
- Their partner’s intelligence (49%)
- Their partner’s problem-solving skills (48%)
- Their partner’s creativity (48%)
Beyond the spreadsheets and strategy sessions, couples are also finding joy in what they’re building together. According to co-owning couples, what they love most about running a business together includes:
- Celebrating success together (56%)
- Reaching their financial goals together (54%)
- Overcoming challenges together (48%)
Methodology
In October 2025, Intuit commissioned an online survey of 1000 U.S. business owners who own and operate a business with their significant other. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest decimal place, so values shown in data report charts and graphics may not add up to 100%. Responses were collected using Pollfish audience pools and partner networks with double opt-ins and random device engagement sampling to ensure accurate targeting and results. Respondents received remuneration.