Definitions of founder:

• noun:   a person who founds or establishes some institution
• noun:   a worker who makes metal castings
• noun:   inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
• verb:   stumble and nearly fall

  Example: "The horses foundered"

• verb:   sink below the surface
• verb:   fail utterly; collapse

  Example: "The project foundered"

• verb:   break down, literally or metaphorically