So they want you to contribute as much as an initial founder? Well, then they should give you as much equity as an initial founder, say like 30% and then you'll

So they want you to contribute as much as an initial founder? Well, then they should give you as much equity as an initial founder, say like 30% and then you'll happily give 4% to extend the option pool. That's the upper bound you should start negotiating. Otherwise it should be prorated, and you shouldn't give more than 1%, otherwise you'll be contributing more than the founders and that doesn't make any sense. I've experienced shitty moves like that from people who usually wants you to contribute and behave like a founder with a majority share without giving you such a share. I can understand the idea, some people fall for this, but it has no rational justification and the real issue is that the work/trust relationship may end up being damaged beyond repair.