[bbcbasic]

I will echo what I heard on startupclass.samaltman.com, which I think is a very good source of information. I suggest you watch the series.

Basically a good foundation for a startup is the initial partners (ideally 2 or 3 people) get equal equity at the beginning. Any other arrangement would raise eyebrows as to whether all the parties are committed and trust each other.

It sounds like you only get your shares if you work hard and you get lucky, whereas the other people get shares by default. Also "when a working product is available" isn't watertight and is open to interpretation.

With the limited information available I would think the best option is to walk away. Look after your family.

-- Disclaimer: I have no experience in working for or starting a 'startup'.