Cofounder Fit & Equity Scenario Tool

First, the tool converts role criticality (core/essential/replaceable) into a role weight. It then calculates a commitment score from hours/week and the expected duration, applies a risk-to-equity adjustment based on how much cash compensation the candidate needs versus equity, and computes a contribution score from the selected contribution types (with higher weight to typically mission-critical early functions like product, engineering, sales, and fundraising). Finally, it combines these signals into a base equity score, derives a fit score, and recommends decision rights that scale with both role criticality and commitment depth.

A candidate with the same title can produce a different outcome depending on time depth (hours/week and months), how “core” their scope is, and how strongly their compensation preference implies a willingness to accept risk. Selecting multiple contribution types also changes the contribution score: the tool caps total contribution impact to reduce double counting when someone covers several responsibilities. Treat the results as a planning baseline—your real agreement should incorporate vesting, milestones, IP terms, and local governance rules.

Don’t enter time or duration values outside the tool’s limits (hours/week capped at 60; duration must be at least 1 month). If you choose low risk tolerance, the tool will prevent equity recommendations from exceeding the implied contribution-based ceiling unless you intentionally treat it as an exception. Also double-check internal consistency: if you mark the role as “replaceable” but also indicate “core-level” decision rights, the tool will flag the mismatch for review.