Is being offered 23% of a company an insult as a partner in a start up? I am responsible for building and designing the entire web app, coding the Frontend, backend, and digitizing all requirements for our proof of concept. My partner found me on LinkedIn. Its his idea, he will be running business functions, marketing, client onboarding, and he has a few real clients to do a trial run with. We’ve been working together for two months in a trial period and now we want to write up contract. How do I value myself?! ……This is my first start up !
Late-stage cofounder here that took 20%. It depends on how important the work that’s been accomplished is on the business and fundraising strategy. In my case, there was some initial indication of product/market fit and traction.
More may be needed in your case (25-35%). You could consider asking for additional option incentives aside from straight vested equity options.