I need everyone's opinion

[Noona Agency]

Hi everyone, I need your honest opinion on a dilemma. A good friend introduced me to a big client, which opened up the opportunity for me to build a company, hire people, and execute projects. Now he wants to be a part of the company, even though I’m the one doing all the work. I’m considering giving him 40% of the shares. Do you think that’s fair?

 

[HenryObi]

Hi everyone, I need your honest opinion on a dilemma. A good friend introduced me to a big client, which opened up the opportunity for me to build a company, hire people, and execute projects. Now he wants to be a part of the company, even though I’m the one doing all the work. I’m considering giving him 40% of the shares. Do you think that’s fair?

40% is too much for someone who doesn't add or do anything in the company.

I don't even think you should give him any amount of shares. In the long run, it'll come back to haunt you. It would seem like you're working for someone else while getting almost nothing in return

 

[Noona Agency]

40% is too much for someone who doesn't add or do anything in the company.

I don't even think you should give him any amount of shares. In the long run, it'll come back to haunt you. It would seem like you're working for someone else while getting almost nothing in return

Tks sir, I have been too dependent on him, I need to think again, I will cooperate for a month to see how the work will turn out.

 

[HenryObi]

Tks sir, I have been too dependent on him, I need to think again, I will cooperate for a month to see how the work will turn out.

Only give a certain percentage to him if he has an active role to play in the business. Otherwise, you pay him a one-time fee.

Also, hope you're not building a business dependent on just his single client that he referred?

I don't think a business can survive on just 1 client. Diversify your client base, just in case things don't work out with your friend. This way, even if he convinces the person(s) je referred to stop patronizing, you'll still be in business.

 

[NemoTheOne]

Tks sir, I have been too dependent on him, I need to think again, I will cooperate for a month to see how the work will turn out.

Well, if you agree for a month, most likely it'll be more challenging to change later - unless something goes wrong, which you don't want, anyway.

Is he expecting this because he "provided opportunities" to you? Will this "new" relationship be mutually beneficial?

Weigh your yes and no's.

 

[goupipoopi]

Have everything in writing! do not count on shaking hands. When the business is up and running he can kick you out in not time if you don't have the proper contract signed.

 

[lukem121]

why would they get any percentage if they're not doing any work or giving you money?

 

[zz2crazy]

40% damn that's too much, maybe review what he can do, start in a lower number and exponentially bring his shares up when he brings more clients.... damn that's a real dilemma

 

[Noona Agency]

Only give a certain percentage to him if he has an active role to play in the business. Otherwise, you pay him a one-time fee.

Also, hope you're not building a business dependent on just his single client that he referred?

I don't think a business can survive on just 1 client. Diversify your client base, just in case things don't work out with your friend. This way, even if he convinces the person(s) je referred to stop patronizing, you'll still be in business.

I am a person who has little contact with such problems, no experience, very happy to receive your sharing.

 

[HenryObi]

I am a person who has little contact with such problems, no experience, very happy to receive your sharing.

Do you have just 1 client? And are they from your friend?

Once again, if your friend must share in ownership, they must share in active participation in running the business. Else you'll put yourself in a position you won't like in the future.

 

[Boo36]

You are a skilled worker, don't do it for free.

 

[V]

40% is too much for someone who doesn't contribute anything to your business. Ask him to join you, bring more clients, and give him around 5% if he brings in a good number of clients every month.

 

[TechnoTycoon]

Reduce the share to 15%. That's better in this context

 

[SirTop]

For you to seriously consider giving him a 40% share... I understand you must feel like you owe him so much.

I've had people do things for me that I feel I'm forever in debt to and most of the time they don't even ask for anything in return (I know that isn't the case here) but it makes you feel like you owe them a lot.

There is nothing wrong with that and an attitude of gratitude is one of the best things to carry through life.

40% seems like a lot if you're going to do all of the work without his input, as you claimed. It is too much for a referral regardless of the emotions involved.

That is similar to a partnership deal you are offering him and if he accepts it, he must contribute to the partnership effort in the business.

Be careful and avoid making decisions that you might regret later... because money often ruins good relationships.

 

[Proxy Cake]

40% is insane. 25% would be very generous but don't lock yourself into anything

 

[TheAdChap]

Hi everyone, I need your honest opinion on a dilemma. A good friend introduced me to a big client, which opened up the opportunity for me to build a company, hire people, and execute projects. Now he wants to be a part of the company, even though I’m the one doing all the work. I’m considering giving him 40% of the shares. Do you think that’s fair?

40% is a lot if he’s not contributing ongoing value. Bringing the client was huge, but ownership should reflect risk, time, and effort too. Consider a finder’s fee, profit share, or smaller equity stake enough to honor him, but not enough to lose control.

 

[zebnex]

Honestly, if all he did was connect you to the client, and you’ve handled everything else.

Building the company, hiring, and executing. Then 40% feels way too much.

Maybe offer a small cut or finder’s fee, or if you really want to give equity, keep it minimal, like 5–10%. You’ve done the heavy lifting.

 

[amdadul3036]

He definitely helped by opening the door, but 40% sounds high if you're doing all the work. Maybe offer a smaller share or a referral bonus instead. Gotta keep things fair for the long run.

 

[Road2Sucess]

Even France wouldn't tax 40% on the benefits lol. No mate, that's way too much.

 

[jas reed]

That’s a tough spot. If he just made the intro and hasn’t contributed beyond that, 40% sounds pretty steep—especially if you’ve done all the heavy lifting. Maybe a smaller equity cut or a referral bonus makes more sense, unless he’s planning to be actively involved moving forward. Just make sure whatever you decide is clear and written up properly to avoid issues later.