The first four to six years of a tech startup are critical for value creation, and even if one founder stays longer, it's important to share equity generously with co-founders who contributed to the startup's early success.

Founders should seek investors who regularly invest in startups and respect their time, while also preparing for a longer fundraising process than expected.

Typically, equity is subject to four-year vesting, meaning co-founders must work for four years to fully earn their equity stake, along with a one-year cliff where no equity is earned if they leave or are fired within the first year. Vesting with a one-year cliff acts as a safety mechanism, allowing you to correct any poor decisions about co-founders without long-term harm to the company.

Commitment is essential; founders need to be prepared to leave their jobs and fully dedicate themselves to their startup to succeed.

The most successful startups in history had co-founding teams, and it's important to have someone who is all in on the startup journey with you.

It's advisable to split equity equally between co-founders to ensure both feel equally invested in the startup's success.

Great founders are often unbalanced in their commitment, pouring everything into their venture, especially during the early years when the stakes are high.

Investors prefer companies where founders are committed and cannot easily quit while retaining a large equity stake, as this reduces risk for their investment.

Startups are an emotional roller coaster, and having a co-founder who is equally invested can provide crucial support during tough times.