A deadlock is rarely a single disagreement. It is the structural absence of any pre-agreed mechanism for resolving disagreement. By the time a deadlock is visible, the team has usually been quietly avoiding it for months.
Distribution
Why deadlocks happen
- No tie-break38%
- No reserved matters27%
- No chair / casting vote18%
- No escalation path17%
Mechanisms that prevent deadlock
- A casting vote with the chair, rotated annually
- A reserved matters list requiring unanimity only on truly fundamental items
- An external escalation path (advisor, board observer, mediator)
- A pre-agreed buy-sell mechanic for terminal deadlock
For journalists & researchers
Cite this report
Suggested citation: Source: The Irish Founder Deadlock Report, PartnerReady (2026), partnerready.ie/founder-deadlock-report-ireland
Frequently asked questions
Is a 50/50 split inherently deadlock-prone?+
Only without governance protection. 50/50 splits with a chair, casting vote and reserved matters list operate well.
What is the cheapest deadlock prevention?+
A one-page reserved matters list and a pre-agreed escalation path, both signed before incorporation.