Your Technical Co-Founder Alternative
Get a full dev team, CTO-level guidance, and a shipped MVP in 60-90 days. We share your risk and build alongside you as true partners.
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Explore Partnership
Free, no-obligation chat about your startup idea.
"Hi, I'm Gaurav Sharma. I've been a technical co-founder for 10+ startups. I understand the founder's struggle to find the right technical partner. Let's discuss how we can partner on your vision."
The Technical Co-Founder Problem
We solve the most common problems non-technical founders face
Common Challenges
- ✗ Can't find the right technical co-founder
- ✗ Don't want to give away 50% equity to one person
- ✗ Need someone committed long-term, not a contractor
- ✗ Want strategic guidance, not just code execution
- ✗ Can't afford $150K+ salary for full-time CTO
Our Solution
- ✓ We become your technical co-founders
- ✓ Flexible equity arrangements (10-25% typical)
- ✓ Long-term partnership commitment (4-year vesting)
- ✓ Strategic CTO-level guidance + hands-on execution
- ✓ Minimal/zero upfront costs - we share your risk
A Transparent 5-Step Process
From first call to long-term partnership
Discovery Call (Free)
Discuss your idea, vision, and determine if we're a good partnership fit. No commitment, just exploration.
Duration: 30 minutesTerms Discussion
Negotiate equity split (10-25%), vesting schedule, and mutual commitments. Full transparency on expectations.
Duration: 1-2 weeksLegal Documentation
Sign co-founder agreement, stock option agreement, and IP assignment. We work with startup lawyers to ensure everything is proper.
Duration: 1 weekMVP Development (60-90 days)
Build and launch your first product version. Daily updates, weekly demos, full transparency throughout.
Duration: 60-90 daysOngoing Partnership
Continue as your technical co-founder and CTO. Scale the product, raise funding, grow the team together.
Duration: Long-term (4+ years)How Our Equity Partnership Works
A fair, transparent arrangement that aligns our success with yours
What We Provide
- ✓ Full-stack development team
- ✓ Technical leadership & strategy
- ✓ Product architecture decisions
- ✓ Daily development & deployment
- ✓ Ongoing CTO-level support
What We Get
- → 10-25% equity (negotiable)
- → 4-year vesting schedule
- → 1-year cliff
- → Board seat (optional)
- → Aligned incentives
Your Benefits
- ✓ No/minimal upfront costs
- ✓ Team invested in success
- ✓ Long-term committed partner
- ✓ Flexibility as you grow
- ✓ Strategic technical guidance
Common Questions About Equity Partnerships
How much equity do you typically take?
Usually 10-25% depending on stage, scope, and ongoing commitment level. We're flexible and negotiate based on your specific situation. Pre-revenue startups typically see 15-20%, while post-MVP startups might be 10-15%.
What if I raise funding later?
Our equity is subject to dilution like any co-founder's. We fully support your fundraising efforts and want you to succeed. Many of our partnerships have successfully raised seed rounds, and we actively help with investor introductions and pitch preparation.
Do you require upfront payment?
Typically minimal ($3-5K) to cover initial setup costs and legal documentation. Main compensation is equity. For founders with some funding, we can discuss hybrid models with reduced rates plus equity.
What happens if the partnership doesn't work out?
We have a 1-year cliff in our vesting schedule. If things aren't working out before then, either party can part ways with minimal equity transfer. After the cliff, equity vests monthly over the remaining 3 years. This protects both parties.
Can we transition from equity to paid later?
Absolutely! Many startups begin with equity partnerships and transition to paying market rates after raising seed funding. Your equity continues to vest, and we become both equity holders and paid technical team. This is a common and healthy evolution.
Do you take board seats?
This is optional and negotiable based on equity percentage and your preference. We can serve as advisors, board observers, or full board members. For partnerships with 15%+ equity, a board observer or member role is typical, but we're flexible.
Discuss Equity Partnership
Let's explore if we're the right fit as your technical co-founders
"Gaurav is very gifted and incredibly smart. The quality of work produced was amazing. I highly recommend them!"
Tiffany Tomlin - Startup Founder
Long-term Partner
Not just a vendor
4-Year Vesting
Aligned incentives
60-90 Day MVP
Fast to market
Pick a time that works for you - no back-and-forth emails needed