[nandorsky]

Is your company generating revenue? Is it worth anything? Unless you're talking about equity split in a company that is worth millions engaging with a lawyer is a waste of money.

I wouldn't even waste time trying to re-engage him. If it's this early in the game and he is already checked out and it will only get worse. Sure, he may re-engage for a little but he'll go back to his ways in a matter of time.

You have the upper hand as the technical co-founder. If you leave he has nothing. Tell him you're out and go start another company. Ideas are a dime a dozen, the value is in the execution.

[bmh_ca]

> Unless you're talking about equity split in a company that is worth millions engaging with a lawyer is a waste of money.

I disagree. The company doesn't need to be worth money now for engaging with a mediator or getting legal advice to have value.

For example, a proper Full and Final Release, mutually agreed upon, can not just save you a fortune in future litigation, it can free you to seek investment in a future venture without the fear or need to disclose past stakeholders, and give peace of mind to work knowing that it won't be derailed by skeletons in the closet.

The spectre of litigation can at-best cloud your optimism, at worst undermine your prospects; it can be a weight upon your every move.

As time passes, the natural human bias is to over-value their past contributions, and undervalue the past contributions of others. The longer the time passes, the greater the bias. If you succeed, the more likely they are to demand what they feel they deserve, from their perspective.

They might be the type of personality to let it go; but if they are litigious, it's better to know it before there's real money on the table. If they're not litigious, they won't mind signing a release or making a deal.

Every situation is different, but getting legal advice isn't just about the money at current value, it's about the price of potential litigation, your peace of mind and ability to produce in the future, and the cost of the spectre.

[naivedeveloper]

Thanks, you and others have said similar things. I think how I should pursue this now is to:

1. Give him a little time to turn things around. Be perfectly clear about the expectations and keep asking him about his progress.

2. If he still doesn't seem motivated, try to convince him that it's better if we separate. Draw up a letter of separation and get him to sign it.

3. If he refuses to do that, try a buyout as dsr_ suggested.

4. Worst case, offer some small stake.

I'm really hopeful (1) happens but this gives me a plan to try and resolve this quickly if it doesn't. Grateful for everyone's advise here!

[naivedeveloper]

No, we're not generating revenue. This is actually why I want to resolve this issue now. If we launch with him having not really done much of anything in the last 6 months and we do have revenue he's going to be entitled to it.