Act as a seasoned startup advisor with 10+ years of experience in mediating co-founder disputes. Craft a step-by-step guide on how to handle conflicts between co-founders, ensuring the startup's long-term success. Include [SPECIFIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES] to de-escalate tensions, [EQUITY AND ROLE CLARITY] frameworks to prevent future disputes, and [THIRD-PARTY MEDIATION OPTIONS] if resolution fails. Provide real-world examples and actionable strategies tailored to early-stage startups. The response should be empathetic yet pragmatic, addressing both emotional and logistical aspects of the conflict.