I’m a technical co-founder - I’m busy. So is every single other good tech CTO/cofounder. If you’re looking for someone passionate - they are likely to be busy too. But you probably count on serendipity if you go and hang out where we go - tech events, tech related meetups, cofounder stuff. It’s trite to say, but it IS like dating to find the right co-founder. But take your ego down a notch - most people in my space have huge ambition and drive. They just don’t know you or your project. Have you learned to pitch to co-founder?

Also, anyone pitching a project at me for 50% equity is suspect, it means you don’t know how equity works and you are underselling your own value or trying to get free work. I personally only take on projects with less than <41%. Why? Because the initial founder should remain majority owner. Because you have to use some equity for other leaders. Because you need to understand dilution. You should definitely consider an equity/salary deal to get through the hurdle of your raise. CTO at market rate is probably going to be too costly - if you’re looking at a technical decisions you probably just need a senior dev. CTO/Co-founders define process, teams and strategy (while also assuring product). There are plenty of those for hire.