You can use the checklist below as a starting point to design your own equity-split process (and turn it into a downloadable PDF or resource for your team). For educational purposes only. Founders’ Equity-Split Checklist Before you agree on percentages, have you: ☐ Clarified roles and expectations? Who is doing what, and at what level of commitment (hours/week, responsibilities, decision-making)? ☐ Listed all types of contributions? Time and sweat equity Cash investments Unre

By Founder of GK Law Co. and Managing Attorney, Gaea Kassatly. When founders come to me to form a new company, one of the very first questions is: “How should we split the equity?” Most default to something like 50/50, 60/40, or “a third each.” It feels simple, fast, and “fair enough” in the moment. The problem?Your startup is about to go on a long, unpredictable journey, and that fixed split is based entirely on guesses about the future. If the equity split is wrong, it beco

A. Seller Checklist – “Exit Readiness” & Deal Execution 1. Strategy & Valuation Clarified your goals (full exit vs partial sale vs partner buy-in). Obtained a valuation (formal appraisal or broker’s opinion of value). Reviewed with tax advisor for likely tax consequences (capital gains, ordinary income, etc.). 2. Financial Clean-Up Identified personal/non-business expenses run through the company. Prepared clean, recent financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow). Ga