[simonebrunozzi]

I suggest you change the title to "Ask HN: How much..."

In terms of your question, there is not an exact % but rather a quite large window. I would consider these two things heavily:

> I worked extensively over the last 5 months and contributed significantly to major milestones

> My skillset is kind of a rare find

Those two things in my mind position you as a quasi-co-founder, and them offering you a 1% is a warning sign for me - meaning they might not value your contribution as much as they should.

Not having any other detail, I would suggest you to ask for a 6-8% equity, but I would also ask myself: why can't I be a third co-founder? What did they do that prevents this option in the first place?

[hangryhippo]

I think they would want me to chip in some money, which I don't have (graduated last year) or work with no salary, which I also can't due to student loans and being a foreigner (rent)

[quickthrower2]

Ask anyway. Be prepared to walk, to give you more negotiating power. You don’t have to threaten to leave but having other option will make you stronger. Don’t worry about offending, coming across too greedy etc. be greedy! Ask for a lot and say you need a salary and you are not in a position to invest your own money.