Options - Is the option pool meant to go to yourself and the other founder? That isn't an unreasonable request, regardless of the size of the deal. Without that

Options - Is the option pool meant to go to yourself and the other founder? That isn't an unreasonable request, regardless of the size of the deal. Without that guarantee, there's nothing to prevent you from closing down tomorrow and taking your investor's money (less 10%). With my first startup, my partner quit after 24 months, and walked away with all his stock, despite the fact that it took two more years before we (I) sold the company. Common Stock - Just because they're asking for common stock, doesn't mean they can't build additional terms into the investment agreement. The fact that they're asking for a board seat means they want rights beyond what common stock would normally grant them. Conclusion - Irregardless of whether the ownership percentage is fair, $25k shouldn't be worth your time. Take the two months you'll burn getting this deal done and put it into developing your product. Also, just the least bit of legal shenanigans (and if it's a VC, there will be shenanigans), and you'll have to hire a lawyer which will eat into the $25k. Now stop screwing around on Hacker News and build your product. ;) Wait until you have a working beta, with users and some press, then go get yourselves a real deal.