Hi everyone! My co-founder and I are planning to start an LLC. We came up with this idea because our biggest investor, who happens to be my co-founder’s step-parent, wants us both to start a company together since we’ve successfully completed numerous projects together.

Regarding equity, our investor is seeking 45% since they will bring clients to the company. My co-founder argues that I deserve 20%, while they deserve 35%, primarily because they are related to the investor. I believe that without my contributions, our investor wouldn’t have suggested starting the company for us, as the previous projects wouldn’t have been completed. I also believe that I possess more essential skills for the business than my co-founder.

I find myself torn between two choices:

1. Accept the deal to gain more experience, even though it may not feel entirely fair.
2. Inform my co-founder that they may not be the ideal business partner I’m looking for and decline the deal, which also feels like missing out on an opportunity.

I would greatly appreciate any insights you have to offer. Thank you all in advance!