Angel and venture capital investors are great, but they must not take more shares than you're willing to give up. On average, founders offer 10-20% of their equity during a seed round. You should always avoid offering over 25% during this stage. As you progress beyond this stage, you will have less equity to offer.
In summary, 1% equity can be a good offer if the startup has strong potential, your role is significant, and the overall compensation package is competitive. However, it could also be seen as low depending on the context. It's essential to assess all these factors before making a decision.
The Bottom Line It defines each partner's ownership percentage, profit and loss allocation, and contributions, and outlines the process for decision-making, dispute resolution, and handling the departure or death of a partner. Clear terms in these areas help prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.
What Should be Included in a Founders Agreement? Names of Founders and Company. This one is pretty non-negotiable. Ownership Structure. The Project. Initial Capital and Additional Contributions. Expenses and Budget. Taxes. Roles and Responsibilities. Management and Legal Decision-Making, Operating, and Approval Rights.
As a rule of thumb, a non-founder CEO joining an early-stage startup (that has been running less than a year) would receive 7-10% equity. Other C-level execs would receive 1-5% equity that vests over time (usually 4 years).
There is a wide range of provisions that could be addressed in a Founders' Agreement. The template below includes provisions about: transfer of ownership; â–ª ownership structure; â–ª confidentiality; â–ª decision-making and dispute resolution; â–ª representations and warranties; and â–ª choice of law.
The short answer to "how much equity should a founder keep" is founders should keep at least 50% equity in a startup for as long as possible, while investors get between 20 and 30%. There should also be a 10 to 20% portion set aside for employee stock options and, in some cases, about 5% left in a reserve pool.
Equity agreements are a cornerstone for startups, providing a solid foundation for their business endeavors while ensuring fairness and clarity in equity distribution. Understanding the legal aspects and best practices of equity agreements is crucial for the long-term success and stability of startups.