It is fairly common to have vesting schedules as someone earns equity of usually 3 to 4 years. So if for example you were giving up 10% total on a 4 year vestin

It is fairly common to have vesting schedules as someone earns equity of usually 3 to 4 years. So if for example you were giving up 10% total on a 4 year vesting schedule, each year would earn 2.5% of the 10%. Some of these can also be met with milestones. I think your approach of bringing him on slowly makes sense from what you wrote. I recommend reading "The Founder's Dilemma," before finalizing any of your actions. http://www.amazon.com/The-Founders-Dilemmas-Anticipating-Entrepreneurship/dp/0691149135 http://www.amazon.com/The-Founders-Dilemmas-Anticipating-Ent...