A few thoughts: (1) you're using the words "friend" and "buddy" to describe someone who is nothing close to being either of those, (2) your equity position shou

A few thoughts: (1) you're using the words "friend" and "buddy" to describe someone who is nothing close to being either of those, (2) your equity position should be at least 20% given the way you describe your contribution to the product, (3) your team is doomed if they have 3/4 senior positions (and want to hire a CEO) and yet you are the only competent developer with experience in the area.... I'd take your code and go home, but not before letting your friend know you'll be suing for copyright infringement and breach of contract. Your friend is legally obliged to report the lawsuit to any investors and that alone should tank their prospects of getting funding. So you have a tremendous amount of leverage if you choose to use it. And there is no reason not to use it. The more fundamental question is why do business with these people at all? They have already signaled that they consider you the least important member of the founding team. And even if you get this stuff resolved, unless the trust issues are solved you're just setting yourself up to be screwed over the next time around. I'd look for a way to explicitly license your code to them (especially the core library) for cash up-front and a small but non-diluting equity position for your previous contribution. Then leave and do something with people who are more worth your time.