Facing the problem with distributing ownership in a startup

[shamkawai]

I have recently started a business in the field of engineering.
I have two other partners, and as we are facing the problem with how to assign ownership.

I was the one who generated the business idea (though we drifted apart from it a little bit to more lucrative area now), did all the initial research, learn the software, attended conference to make contact, and found our first two clients.

I am a beginner, not much experience with starting sucessful businesses at all. I feel like I need assisstance in starting this thing, (And I think it's good, afterall, 3 persons sharing success is way better than 1 person having all a failed business) So after i have done all the above, and before I got the clients, two friends heard about my business and joined.

And it's been 5 months into starting our business, we got the clients around 2 weeks ago. However, even up to this point, I am the only one driving the business. (calling for meeting, giving direction as to what next step is, found the first clients, and a bunch of other tiny stuff) I am still in the role to distribute responsibility if you would. However, my partners both contribute ideas and helped out in meeting, and negotiation with clients.

One important thing was, when I found the first client, I had other work responsibility, and it was my partner who took the work and made it possible to work out with the client.

So now, I have the problem with splitting up ownership.

As Engineering is really different from internet business, at least with our firm, we actually go to clients office, put in own time and do work.


Base on what I am saying here, what's a reasonable assignment of ownership?

[Will]

You would need to talk to them about that. No one else can answer it unless you all come to an agreement.

It depends on how much time each of you are putting in, if money is involved how much you each put in, and how much each of you bring to the table in forms of skills/contacts.