Comments by "TommyJ" (@ImperiumLibertas) on "Y Combinator" channel.

A small percentage and a cash sum payout later if you're successful is more than enough for an idea, especially since they can provide little to bringing that idea to market given their lack of experience.
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I'm working with a cofounder who has years of experience and connections in the market. We're starting a software platform which he has almost no experience doing but I do. What he brings to the table is many big name clients, sales, and product vision which is something I could never get on my own. Was the idea his? Yeah. But without both components, without both of us, the product could never come to market. Both of us could go find other cofounders but that would be extremely challenging to find someone as excited about our idea as we are. What I'm saying is an idea is worth almost nothing without the right people to act on it. Getting the right people that gain you a competitive advantage in your target market is what creates value in the company and is what should determine equity.
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@JupiterJustusJones we were friends. He approached me for help with web development and I initially agreed to help him as a favor. I've attempted a startup before so I had some experience in refining a business idea so I offered to walk him through the steps and in doing so I realized he had an amazing vision with huge potential. I continued to help him refine his idea until I eventually proposed a partnership when he enthusiastically agreed. My advice is always let people know you are wanting to start a business of your own and what your skills are, be willing to help people, and be approachable and kind. If he didn't think he could ask me for help I'd never have this opportunity.
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This is very compelling. I'm 50/50 at my very early startup. I'm going to discuss splitting the directorship more in my favor for control while offering him more in non voting shares. He gets more but I steer the ship. He's not as strategically minded as I am and is more of a soft asset in sales so I think it makes more sense for him to focus on increasing value while it makes sense for me to ensure we are making the correct strategic moves for long term growth.
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