I currently work with a company that I have been with for several years, yet I have no ownership in it, which is fair based on the current structure and history. I am a senior staff member with a borderline sickness for our industry – I research everything possible and understand things inside/out, relative to most people in the industry.
Recently, ownership approached me and requested that I complete a full analysis and business plan for a new business opportunity. The new opportunity would 100% need to be a separate entity and I relayed that I would require an ownership stake in it. Private equity funding would be required, so my demand would be a percentage of the company based on shares, followed by performance shares being issued in the future (with tangible targets).
It was responded to with a generic “compensation will be related to contribution” statement. While I somewhat understand this, I also don’t feel comfortable hoping that it works out. I respect the other parties and trust them, but not to the point where I’m willing to roll the dice on my future. They were willing to pay me for the planning work, but I completed it all on my own time. They could likely pull it off without me, but I am certain the planning, execution, pitching/marketing, and growth would be substantially better with me involved.
What do I do? It’s very early, but I am 99.9% certain the idea will translate into incredible profits and grow into something massive. All of the research and forecasts I have done align with this as well. Do I give them the report or demand an ownership agreement is signed prior to it? First to market is very important, so it is possible to walk with it, but that would be horrible (for all parties). Difficult spot to be in.