founder

/ˈfaʊndə/noun

The person who starts a company, organization, project, or institution.

Example sentences

“The museum honors its founder with a statue in the lobby.”
“The founder of the charity still answers every letter herself.”

Watch the unrelated verb: a ship or plan that founders is sinking or failing. Confusing it with 'flounder', to thrash about helplessly, is a classic mix-up.

work

Synonyms for founder

creator
originator

Related words

entrepreneurSomeone who starts and runs their own business, taking on the financial risks involved.directorThe person in charge of leading or managing a department, a project, or a production such as a film or play.startupA young company, usually one built to grow quickly.executiveRelating to the management and daily decision-making of a company, government, or other organization.corporationAn organization that the law recognizes as its own entity, existing apart from its members and holding rights and debts separate from theirs.coworkerA person who works at the same place as you.