He had an incredible amount of early traction. For every startup/VC dyad, there's going to be a power imbalance. Either the founder(s) and their company are in

He had an incredible amount of early traction. For every startup/VC dyad, there's going to be a power imbalance. Either the founder(s) and their company are in high demand (rare), or the VC is (typical). The side that has the leverage is going to get the best terms. Normally that's the VC. (Liquidation preference, your first born, board seats, etc.)