Took an equity position as technical co-founder plus cash incentive and they don’t want to pay now. Contract is a bit of mess on top of it.
I’m owed multiple 6 figures for promised sweat equity, but the company isn’t generating what anyone thought it would. There was never a contingency based on success of the company or revenue generated.
My choices are basically sue, or try to dissolve company and negotiate to keep all rights to all digital assets, trademarks, domain, etc.
I’ve spoken to many lawyers and all have different opinions. I initially thought, hell yes it’s worth it to sue for $250k owed to me. But, it’s really not looking to be a good option after all.
The problem is I have little interest in the industry even if I did retain all IP to myself.
Kind of a conundrum.
Would love to hear some perspectives from others who have faced similar circumstances.
No. Move on. Lesson learnt. Make better contracts going forward.
Sounds like they have no intention of honoring any contract in the first place, even with better contracts the OP would be looking at suing to get them to honor it.
I think the best advice I’ve gotten so far from an attorney who is also an adjunct professor of business at university is this:
If you go to bed with dogs, you’re going to get fleas… the people you choose to do business with is more important than any contract.