Founders Equity

Founders of the startup receive equity to generate loyalty to the firm.

Cofounders also receive equity.

In splitting equity between the founder and cofounder, avoid the 50/50 split as this puts no one in a position to make final decisions.

There are many tough choices to make in a startup and one founder needs to take that role.

Equity should be set based on the contributions each one makes and vested over time.

Consider the following in splitting the equity:

Experience of the founder

Time commitment made

Responsibilities

Funding raised 

These are the key factors in an early-stage company.

Consider setting aside shares for employees and incentive stock options.

Initial employees receive equity after the first round of funding. 

This round of equity replaces salary which comes into play when revenue starts.

Also, consider that investors typically take 20-25% of the equity in each round of funding.  

This dilutes the founders and early employees.

Capture the decisions in writing and consider setting up a cap table as a proof of record.

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.

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Thank you for joining your host Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso — your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

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Disclaimer:
Hall T Martin is the director of Investor Connect, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the education of investors for early-stage funding. All opinions expressed by Hall and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Investor Connect. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for the basis of investment decisions.