All of this seems to assume that 50/50 ownership is 50/50 power. That really doesn't have to be the case (and usually shouldn't). I think it was Joel Spolsky w

All of this seems to assume that 50/50 ownership is 50/50 power. That really doesn't have to be the case (and usually shouldn't). I think it was Joel Spolsky who explained that point of view best some time ago. Beyond his explanations, though, the non-tech world has lots of "silent partners," people who may own half or more of the company but give up the actual power of running it. Ideally, you give up some ego, power, and responsibility without giving up freedom and financials.