Ask HN: Receive compensation for initial development effort for my start up?

1 points by weef 12y ago ↗ HN

My start up has three founders - me and two business guys. I will be developing the website and they will provide the business expertise and cover expenses while we are still pre-revenue. We will split the company three ways. The dilemma I'm having is the website I'm developing will become quite complex when it's finished and it seems like I should receive some upfront (or as we go) compensation for the website. Has anyone encountered a scenario like this before and as a developer how were you compensated for the initial development?

2 comments

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andy_campanella 12y ago ↗

While you are adding unique value as the only developer, you have to consider how much they're investing in cash for expenses and opportunity cost. I tend to think that nobody gets paid at the beginning. If the website is very complex and core to the company, maybe the equity split should reflect that.

benologist 12y ago ↗

If you want a job then get a job. If you want to build a company without shouldering any risk get a job at someone else's startup.