Give Equity, Keep Everyone Aligned
When you're building something at this stage, give equity. You want everyone incentivized and on the same page. Building is worth nothing without distribution, and you need a team.
When you're building something at this stage, give equity. I know it feels counterintuitive. You worked hard on this idea. You stayed up late. You took the risk.
But here's the truth: building is worth nothing without distribution. And distribution requires a team.
Why Equity Matters
When everyone has skin in the game, everything changes. The designer isn't just making something pretty, they're building their future. The marketer isn't just running campaigns, they're growing something they own.
I've seen the difference between hired help and true partners. Partners show up differently. They push back on bad ideas. They work weekends without being asked. They care.
How I Think About It
Early stage, I'd rather own 50% of something real than 100% of nothing. The math is simple. If you can't get people excited enough to join for equity, maybe the idea isn't exciting enough.
Give equity. Keep everyone aligned. Build something worth building together.