Should we set equity split with vesting cliff for two founders?

[Dennis_L]

I’m trying to figure out how to structure the equity split for my co-founder and me, and I’m stuck on whether we should use a standard vesting schedule with a one-year cliff. We’re both putting in equal cash and time now, but I’m concerned about protecting the company if one of us needs to step back later.

[AveryL]

We used a standard vesting schedule with a four-year term and a one-year cliff. We both kicked in equal cash and time at the start, and it kept the equity tied to ongoing effort. If one of us had to step back, the unvested shares stay with the company and can be bought back, which felt fair.

[Aubrey57]

One thing I saw in practice is someone stepping back after year two. the other person carried most of the work, and we ended up buying back shares and readjusting the cap table, which felt messy and slowed hiring.

[EricW]

is the problem even the equity split, or is governance and control the real issue? maybe the real fix is a governance setup, not just the split.

[JonathanS]

we started drafting a side letter about a possible rebalancing mechanism and even looked at a buy-sell option, but we paused because it felt heavy and not urgent. for now we're keeping it simple and watching how things evolve.