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Picking a co-founder
Pick a co-founder like you'd pick a spouse — because you'll spend more time with them than with your spouse for 5+ years....
Equity splits that don't blow up
50/50 sounds fair, but it kills decision-making. 60/40 or 70/30 reflects reality if one founder started earlier or commits more....
Vesting and cliffs
Vesting protects everyone from a co-founder who leaves Month 7. Standard:...
Founders' IP assignment
Every founder must sign an IP Assignment Agreement that transfers all relevant intellectual property — code, designs, trademarks created before incorp...
83(b) elections
If you receive restricted stock subject to vesting (every founder does), file an 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days....