i'd pitch your best non-cofounder option first. it sounds like your offer is an appealing one, and something that i don't think anyone would be offended at rec

i'd pitch your best non-cofounder option first. it sounds like your offer is an appealing one, and something that i don't think anyone would be offended at receiving. if they reject it and push for cofounder, sit down and figure out which one you want more -- to retain total control or to have this person on the team.