I had 15% vested over two years of a seed startup operation.
100k in funding at 9m valuation.
50k arr.
We started to disagree a lot, to the point of planning a split.
The cofounder who wants to keep the company wants to take back 14%.
On grounds of for cause termination.
I was open to giving back some equity but this seems like a lot.
Thoughts?
Comments
smt88•6mo ago
Talk to a lawyer.
explorer01•6mo ago
I know nothing of this world but I’m curious what incentive do you have to give back equity that is already yours? Wouldn’t a company just buy it back in some way or dilute you once they get more investment?
toomuchtodo•6mo ago
I recommend you call George Grellas’ practice, ask for a consult for valuation and exit guidance. No affiliation.
you can negotiate in advance a buyout at the next fundraise event, like if he raises 2 mil you will get 200k in exchange for the 14. I will note that you should try not to anchor on the safe cap, it’s not an equity valuation, the company FMV is something like $900k even with the revenue, valuing your 15% at 135k which seems about right. The problem with this is the seed investor may not like it but maybe the remaining founder can dilute an extra 200k from angels to arrange the buyout w/o damaging perception of the round? idk, the right lawyer can help here
smt88•6mo ago