Who gets equity in a startup?

When your startup is in the initial stages, the founder or the co-founders usually own it entirely, typically in a 50/50 split, or 60/40, depending on various conditions.

As you grow, equity is distributed among those who contributed to fund your startup, give you advise, or develop your product/service offerings:

• Co-founders that invested into the vision or business idea.
• Friends or family members who contributed seed money.
• Employees who invested their time and skills.
• Advisors who gave expert advise or network.
• Investors who provided capital.
• Other service providers.