It's nice to stay friends with people but at the end of the day you're not a charity. If you aren't being paid and your heart isn't in it just make a plan to le

It's nice to stay friends with people but at the end of the day you're not a charity. If you aren't being paid and your heart isn't in it just make a plan to leave sooner rather than later. It'll damage your reputation if you're not open with investors (ie raise then leave) which means you'd have to raise, stick it out another year or so then leave which is all going to cost you in time, money and motivation. But a year down the line they'll be looking to raise again so you'll just keep kicking the can down the road. Things happen in business. If it's a good idea your co-founder should have no problem finding someone else. If they struggle though, that's not your problem and you don't need to wait for them to do so. Just discuss with them, give notice and ramp down over a month or so as a courtesy. Your co-founder ought to raise after finding a replacement, with a dedicated team instead of one where an exec wants to leave. Raising now will reflect badly on all of you and reduce your odds of success anyway if your heart isn't in it. Most startups fail, so I'd prioritise happiness and future investor relations over those with a co-founder tbh. As long as you act professionally (ie give notice you're leaving) that's all anyone can reasonably ask. This is like pulling a plaster off. Better to be quick and get it over with instead of dragging it out.