Summary:
Kameron Buckner avoids dating other early-stage founders to prevent both partners from 'fighting for their lives'
She prefers meeting people through friends or events over dating apps, valuing in-person connections
Planning dates like meetings helps her balance a demanding startup schedule with romance
She quickly weeds out incompatible partners, paying close attention to their reactions to her success and ambition
A supportive partner must understand her fluctuating priorities and appreciate both her driven and softer sides
As a startup founder in New York City, dating is a struggle. Kameron Buckner, a 32-year-old founder, shares her challenges balancing a demanding work life with romance. She’s learned to set boundaries and weed out incompatible partners quickly.
Kameron Buckner says she pays close attention to the way men she dates react to her ambition and success.
The Founder’s Dating Dilemma
Kameron avoids dating other early-stage founders, stating, "We can’t both be fighting for our lives." Her work with Social Docket, an AI-powered legal platform for creators, demands most of her time. She’s not the spontaneous partner many men seek, but she’s upfront about her schedule-oriented lifestyle.
Meeting People ‘In the Wild’
After moving to NYC, Kameron tried dating apps but found them lacking. She prefers meeting people through friends or at events. "I’m fast at weeding people out," she says, emphasizing she doesn’t have time for endless dates to figure out compatibility.
Planning Dates Like Meetings
Kameron approaches dating with the same efficiency as her work. She shares her schedule weeks in advance and expects partners to take initiative in planning. "It sounds like I’m hiring," she jokes, but she values simplicity and clarity in relationships.
The Reality of Dating a Founder
Dating a founder requires honesty and flexibility. Kameron explains that during busy seasons, like fundraising, her partner must understand she can’t always be the priority. Communication is key—she might suggest a quick FaceTime instead of a full date night.
Noting Reactions to Success
Kameron pays close attention to how men react to her ambition. She recalls an ex who called her goal of making a million dollars "greedy." Such comments reveal character, and she’s learned to walk away early if there’s any sign of discomfort with her success.
No Compromises on the Right Partner
Kameron believes a good partner should support her success and appreciate both her driven and softer sides. "With a foundation of humor, friendship, and support, everything else will just fall into place," she says.
This story is based on a conversation with Kameron Buckner, edited for length and clarity.
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