Equity-for-Services Partnership
Partner with Technical Co-Founders
We work with exceptional early-stage startups who have strong ideas and founders but limited cash. Instead of traditional consulting fees, we take meaningful equity stakes and become invested partners in your success.
Why Partner With Us
The market for technical co-founders is massive but underserved. Non-technical founders with domain expertise struggle to find technical partners willing to work for equity. We bridge that gap.
Deep Expertise
AI/ML, distributed systems, and production-grade engineering from Fortune 500 experience
Pattern Recognition
Years of experience gives us strong ability to evaluate startup potential
Aligned Incentives
When you succeed, we succeed. We're fully invested in your outcome.
What We Bring to the Table
We function as technical co-founders, not just contractors. We're invested in your success and bring the same level of commitment and expertise you'd expect from a founding team member.
- Full product architecture & development
- Technical co-founder level involvement
- Strategic technology decisions
- Production-ready code & architecture
- AI/ML and distributed systems expertise
- Investor-ready technical documentation
Flexible Structures
Every startup is different. We tailor our engagement to your specific needs and stage, whether you need help getting from idea to MVP, or polishing an existing product for launch.
We also offer reduced cash rate combined with equity structures. This can work well if you have some funding but can't afford full market rates.
What We Look For
We're extremely selective. We only take equity deals that meet all of these criteria. We say no to 95%+ of opportunities.
Founder Quality
- Deep domain expertise in the problem space
- Previous exits, successful businesses, or demonstrable track record
- Full-time commitment to the venture
- Strong network for distribution and sales
Market Validation
- Clear evidence of demand (customer interviews, waitlists, LOIs, early revenue)
- Extensive customer development completed
- Favorable market timing (growing, not saturated)
Technical Alignment
- Problem plays to our strengths (AI/ML, distributed systems, complex backend)
- We can add 10x value, not just write code
- Work directly benefits our knowledge or network
Realistic Scope
- Clearly defined MVP or deliverable
- Timeline fits within capacity constraints
- Focused product, not building the next Salesforce
Deal Structure & Legal Framework
Every equity deal includes proper legal protection. These terms are non-negotiable.
Founder Shares
Actual equity, not ISOs/NSOs that can be destroyed by 409A valuations
Deliverable-Based Vesting
We vest as we hit milestones, not time-based
Board Observer Rights
For larger equity stakes, we need visibility into company decisions
Acceleration Clause
If acquired before full vest, we get accelerated vesting
Pro-Rata Rights
Ability to maintain ownership percentage in future rounds
Anti-Dilution Protection
Standard weighted-average anti-dilution provisions
Automatic No
We immediately decline deals with any of these characteristics. Being upfront about this saves everyone time.
Think You're a Fit?
If you have deep domain expertise, validated demand, and need a technical partner who's fully invested in your success, let's talk. We're looking for exceptional founders building products where we can add 10x value.