[dragonwriter]

> Could company force departing co-founder to sign non-compete?

Probably not, though the answer will depend on the law of the specific jurisdiction that governs your relationship. They could offer something in exchange for signing a non-compete, but if you haven't previously agreed in a legal-binding way to a non-compete, and or made a binding agreement pledging to do so in the future, then even if the conditions apply in which a non-compete would be valid and enforceable in your jurisdiction, there doesn't seem any way that they could legally compel you to sign it or legally withhold anything to which you are already entitled if you do not.

But if you are being forced out of a company you cofounded, you probably should talk to a lawyer familiar with the law of your jurisdiction about the whole situation (not just the non-compete aspects.) And if they are attempting to withhold things that belong to you unless you sign a non-compete, then you really need to talk to a lawyer, because the issue then becomes "can I compel them to honor my existing rights, and, if so, how" more than "can they force me to sign a non-compete".