equal equity split

Michael Seibel argues that co-founder equity should be set with long-term motivation in mind, rather than treated mainly as a negotiation outcome. He explains how four-year vesting and a one-year cliff protect the company if a co-founder leaves early. Because that safeguard exists, he advises CEOs to be generous with equity so co-founders feel and act like owners. Equal splits can be a useful rule of thumb, but the right split depends on the team and its future needs.

Kat Manalac explains how to find a co-founder and when starting solo may make sense. She shares where co-founding teams at high-valuation YC companies and female-founded YC companies met, emphasizing the value of knowing a potential partner’s work and communication style. She describes what YC looks for in a team: complementary skills, clear communication, and evidence that the founders have worked together over time. She also recommends equal equity splits so co-founders feel equally invested for the long term.