Many believe that an equal split signifies fairness for all and the majority of founders begin with 50/50 equity splits.
Founders should ensure that they retain control of the company by maintaining at least a 50-60% stake collectively after this funding round. Equity compensation is a powerful tool for startups to attract and retain talent, especially when they may not be able to offer competitive salaries.
Many believe that an equal split signifies fairness for all and the majority of founders begin with 50/50 equity splits.
Research from Harvard Business School professors also shows that investors are less likely to invest in startups with a flat split. Dividing equity equally may signal that the co-founders aren't willing negotiators or that they're not prepared to risk conflict or disagreement to resolve important issues.
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.
Generally, the choices are to either simply go for an equal equity divide or opt for a weighted split, however there is no definitive right way to proceed. Often it may depends on factors like the level of commitment, expertize or business experience etc of the parties involved.
Different ways to split equity among cofounders Equal splits. Weighted contributions. Dynamic or adjustable equity. Performance-based vesting. Role-based splits. Hybrid models. Points-based system. Prenegotiated buy/sell agreements.
If you started as a solo-founder and have made progress on the business (especially if you've already raised), you should consider a something along the line of an 80/20 split of founder shares. In fact, the range I'm seeing is anywhere from 5-20% for the 2nd co-founder.
Many believe that an equal split signifies fairness for all and the majority of founders begin with 50/50 equity splits.