Hello All -
I've come to a decision to resign from my startup (currently a cofounder, not the CEO) due to a variety of issues that make continuing on not workable. However, there are 2 concerns I have:
Primary / Key concern: We are currently fundraising & have been for a few months - I'm worried about the impact of my resignation on fundraising. Options with associated risks as I see them are:
Wait till after fundraising to resign (resign = inform my cofounder/CEO)
- (-) Investors feel duped / tricked, especially if my resignation comes very shortly after / I feel ethically conflicted about fundraising in what seems like bad faith (especially with individual investors)
- (-) I'm not able to give my all to fundraising OR to running the business as I have one foot mentally out the door
- (+) Does not put fundraising / business / team in as much risk
Resign now and inform cofounder
- (-) Severely harms the current fundraise (Seed stage raise) and possibly kill company [which I really don't want to do]
- (+) It feels less morally & ethically bankrupt
Secondary Concern: I'm close to my 1 year cliff (~2 weeks away) - and have put in a lot of work so don't want to lose out on all equity
As I understand it, I'd continue to vest as long as I remain a full-time employee of the business. If I resigned before the cliff and my cofounder asked me to step down immediately, then I'm sure I'd lose all equity. Them requesting an immediate step-down seems unlikely, as a lot of my role will need to be transitioned to people we need to hire, but I also cannot predict their reaction
The decision on when to resign is ultimately tied to the above (re: fundraising & not putting the company at risk vs. ethical dilemma), but also want to share this part on vesting in case it impacts what advice you all have for me
I really appreciate any thoughts or input this group has - thank you all.
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