Cofounder equity & execution capacity
Considering a cofounder? Start with the work.
Choose the functions you need covered, then compare a hypothetical equity share with five years of modeled function spend. Use the numbers to sharpen the conversation about roles, responsibility and ownership.
Open the calculator · See how the comparison works
You choose the equity percentage; the tool does not recommend a split.
Four questions to ask before discussing a share
Name the function and the next deliverable. “More help with finance” is broad; “reconciled books each month” is something you can assign and review.
List the decisions that call for shared direction, relationships, leadership or lasting accountability. A cofounder may bring those things as well as labor. A monthly function amount cannot price that contribution.
For each defined task, write down who owns the result and how you will check it. That applies whether you use a hire, a contractor or a process supported by software.
Put available cash, setup time and ongoing review beside the ownership conversation. Gather real quotes for the options you are considering, and discuss the proposed role and terms with the person involved.
You may need a partner, more execution capacity, or both. Once the work and role are clearer, test one share assumption beside the calculator's modeled spend.
How the comparison works
Select the functions you want covered, an equity percentage to test and a range for what the company could be worth in five years. The calculator assigns a value to that range and multiplies it by your chosen percentage. It places that illustrative share value beside fixed monthly amounts for your selected functions over 60 months, then shows a gap that cannot go below zero.
The monthly amounts are assumptions in the model, not current Supanova prices or quotes for the work. The tool also asks about budget, a prospective cofounder's weekly hours and revenue timing; those answers do not change the numerical comparison.
Test your own scenario. Choose the work, a share you want to test and a company-worth range.
One illustrative scenario
Suppose you select marketing, operations and finance, test a 25% hypothetical share, and choose the $1M–$5M five-year company-worth range. For this chosen example, the calculator uses $3M as the range's value.
| Selected assumptions and result | Amount |
|---|---|
| Illustrative share value: 25% × $3M | $750,000 |
| Fixed monthly function amounts: marketing $220 + operations $220 + finance $120 | $560/month |
| Modeled function spend: $560 × 60 months | $33,600 |
| Displayed difference under these assumptions | $716,400 |
The $716,400 is a gap between modeled figures, not money saved or a forecast. It cannot value a cofounder's future contribution or establish that another option would deliver equivalent work.
Take the number back to the decision
Write down which contribution needs a partner's judgment and which task has a defined owner and review standard. For the latter, compare real costs, setup and review needs before you discuss ownership terms. For the former, talk directly with the prospective partner about responsibility and what each of you expects to build.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tell us what equity split is fair?
No. You choose the percentage to test. Discuss contributions, responsibilities and ownership terms separately. For another view on split methodology, see Y Combinator's founder equity guidance.
What does the function split mean?
The result groups selected functions using a fixed rule: product and technical development appear as human-led; the other listed functions appear as candidates for autonomous support. Treat that grouping as a starting point for assessing suitability, oversight and accountability, not a recommendation tailored to your company.
Are the monthly amounts current Supanova prices?
No. They are fixed model amounts. Get actual quotes and account for setup and review when comparing a hire, contractor or software-supported process.
What can I see before entering an email?
After the six questions, you can see the main comparison and function split. If prompted, enter an email in the tool to see two additional detail sections.
Bring one decision to the calculator
Choose one function that needs coverage and one share assumption you want to examine. Then compare the modeled result with real costs and the responsibilities a cofounder would take on.
Open the cofounder equity calculator. See the main comparison after the questions; if prompted, enter an email for additional detail.