Startups Anonymous Est. 2013 · Read-only archive
Questions

I’m leaving my Startup, should I take some money?

I’ve been working on a Startup for a few years with 2 co-founders. We did somewhat well, and by paying ourselves extremely low salaries, we have amassed some savings (for the company) of about $100,000.

I have decided I want out. I don’t feel we are on the right track, and quite honestly I think we are going to fail eventually. My partners are unreceptive to my observations and just wish to keep things going as they are, so I decided I should leave and start again, either solo or with a new partner (i’m talking to a few people to get them on board my new project).

My instinct tells me that I should get nothing. My plan was to divide my stock among my co-founders and transfer it to them in friendly terms and for that to be it (it’s not worth much after all). But many people have mentioned I should get some money in return for my part. I’m not sure. What do you think?

8 answers from the community

AAnonymous· Mar 23, 2014

I think the only think you have any claim to is to have them buy you out. I don't think you can access the savings. This is a unique issue for me, I'd be curious to see what others say.

AAnonymous· Mar 23, 2014

*thing

AAnonymous· Mar 23, 2014

Did you have a vesting agreement in place? if so, keep the stock which is vested, and move on.

AAnonymous· Mar 24, 2014

I had no vesting agreement. My stock is mine to keep if I choose to.

AAnonymous· Mar 24, 2014

A buyout agreement is the way to go.

AAnonymous· Mar 24, 2014

You can't give your stock like that.
Keep it or sale it at a negociated value which I recommand you.

AAnonymous· Mar 25, 2014

Technically it can be considered a "donation"

AAnonymous· Mar 26, 2014

Don't do that. If they succeed without you they're not gonna come back and give you money afterwards. You worked hard, it's your equity.

Put a price on it and leave. If they want they can make the company buy back your shares, using part of the money you guys saved. If they don't want to buy it, keep them. If they eventually succeed you're gonna get something back for your work.