I co-founded a company with a small team that struggled with calculating equity splits. It was a painful process that involved a Google spreadsheet, a list of

I co-founded a company with a small team that struggled with calculating equity splits. It was a painful process that involved a Google spreadsheet, a list of individual contributions, personal experience, impact and job function. Weights were applied. The intent was to determine an objective calculation of each founder's equity position. The process exposed some serious flaws, insecurities and heated discussions around the general efficacy of such an experiment. It felt petty and rather naive. I left the team out of principle, but helped close the round and became an advisor. My general rule is start at equal positions and apply reasonable adjustments based on hard contributions (ie, financial, etc). Building a company is a process that will be redefined as you go. However, the team dynamic shouldn't. If the team cannot grasp this concept, then leave.