Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I know that is a fairly loaded question, but so far I have been a lone gun and put about 15 grand cash into my little startup (i'm fairly young so that is a lot to me).

However, my business cannot go further without finding an additonal parter, one who's expertise is a little bit more on the tech side.

I have a few people in mind, as far as approaching them with the opportunity, but what is a good place to start negotiating, as far as percentage of equity.

I also plan on paying a first year salary (a small one,but nonetheless something) to them.

Obviously, every founder wants to retain as much equity as possible, but again, I have no idea on what a good place to begin negotiations would be?

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated...

I think people are made partners by either gaining equity from working or buying into a business. They are not offered a percentage up front with no investment on their part.