Build a fairer equity split before the hard conversation.

How the equity split is calculated

The calculator compares each founder across five factors: time commitment, role and skills, existing assets or IP, cash contribution, and startup experience. Time commitment carries the most weight, followed by role and skills, because the people doing the work over several years usually create most of the value.

The result is an explainable starting point for a conversation between founders, not a final answer. Use the breakdown to see why the split landed where it did, and talk through any factor that feels wrong to one of you.

Why vesting matters as much as the split

The calculator recommends a common structure: four years of vesting with a one-year cliff, then monthly vesting after the cliff. At the cliff, a founder earns the first 25%. If someone leaves in the first few months, the cliff stops short-term participation from becoming permanent ownership.

A clear schedule is also easier for investors and future hires to understand, so it is worth agreeing on it at the same time as the split.

Should cofounders split equity equally?

Not automatically. An equal split can suit founders making similar commitments, but it can cause tension when time, skills, or capital differ. Comparing contributions first makes the reasoning explicit either way.

Does a part-time founder get less equity?

Time commitment is the most heavily weighted factor, so a part-time founder will usually score lower on it than a full-time founder. Other contributions, such as IP or cash, also count.

Can we change the split later?

Founders can agree to change it, but this gets harder once equity is issued and may have legal or tax consequences. Settle it early and take advice before you change a signed agreement.