You are not a founder. The risk is on their shoulders, not yours. If they can't pay then too bad. Tell them to fuck off or pay. Realize something: These peopl

You are not a founder. The risk is on their shoulders, not yours. If they can't pay then too bad. Tell them to fuck off or pay. Realize something: These people, no matter if they are "friends" are going to fuck you if they get a big paycheck. How do I know? They are already fucking you. The role of the founder is to get enough cash flow so that the business is able to function. The role of the employee is to work as long as they are getting paid. You mentioned them having a pattern of late payments. Guess what? Its never going to change. When you pay your employees late, it means that their involvement in the business is temporary. A founder that values an employee will make all he can to pay on time (or at least pay in some kind of structured agreement with you). By you posting publicly means that you are getting the run-around. So, I suggest to talk with these people. Demand your money in a firm manner. Or demand that you be made into a co-founder. Get ready to bail out, because this seems like a sinking ship. Startups, much less tech ones, rarely ever make it. Move on.