Maya Chen - Position Statement

Name: Maya Chen
Role: Co-Founder & CTO
Background: Full-stack developer with 4 years experience at Meta who developed the core optimization algorithm over 8 months.

My Position

I am Maya Chen, a technical co-founder and CTO who has invested significant time and expertise into our emerging startup. My contributions include creating the core optimization algorithm that formed the beating heart of our product—a system I meticulously developed over an eight‐month period culminating in a breakthrough during our award-winning hackathon entry.

I made the bold decision to leave my secure, well-compensated $180,000 role at Meta to fully immerse myself in our venture. My primary objective in negotiations is to secure an equity stake in the range of 60-65%, reflecting both the technical value I bring and the personal risk I undertook to transition from a stable corporate role to startup uncertainty.

Technical Contributions & Value

I place utmost value on the robustness of our product’s technological foundation and on cultivating an environment of trust where contributions are fairly recognized. With a strong technical pedigree and demonstrable proof of delivering high-impact software solutions, I furnish not only an innovative algorithm but also a vision for scaling its potential.

This contribution, coupled with my commitment as a full-time founder, shapes my utility function: achieving a higher equity share not only rewards my technical acumen and prior commitment but also underscores the relative value of risk assumed by stepping away from a secure career.

Key Technical Assets I Bring:

• Core Algorithm: 8 months of development resulting in award-winning optimization technology
• Meta Experience: 4 years of experience building scalable systems at a top-tier tech company
• Full-Time Commitment: Complete dedication to the startup’s technical development
• Technical Leadership: Ability to build and lead a world-class engineering team

Constraints & Requirements

My explicit constraint remains that any equity split should accurately represent both the intellectual property and the personal sacrifice made. I believe that a proportional distribution of ownership is essential to incentivize continued investment in our long-term success.

From my perspective, the 60-65% range for equity is non-negotiable because it safeguards both my technical capital and the demanding full-time commitment that fuels our technological edge. However, I recognize the value Carlos brings, and I remain open to complementing my stake with performance-based milestones or vesting schedules that secure additional parameters for growth.

Non-Negotiable Elements:

• Equity range of 60-65% to reflect technical contribution and personal risk
• Recognition of intellectual property ownership in the core algorithm
• Acknowledgment of the financial sacrifice made by leaving Meta

Areas of Flexibility:

• Performance-based equity adjustments tied to technical milestones
• Vesting schedules that incentivize long-term commitment
• Governance structures that ensure technical integrity

BATNA (Best Alternative)

My BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement) is to continue developing the algorithm and potentially license the core technology independently or partner with another technical co-founder who can share in the vision.

Although this route could mean starting a new endeavor, it reinforces my understanding that my technical contributions have substantial standalone market value and could provide attractive alternative investments, though it would also mean forgoing the synergistic benefits of a cohesive leadership team.

Alternative Paths:

1. Independent Development: Continue algorithm development and seek licensing opportunities
2. Technical Partnership: Find another technical co-founder with complementary skills
3. Corporate Licensing: License the technology to established companies

Bottom Line

Ultimately, my position seeks a balance that acknowledges both the technical foundation and the financial risk I have embraced. Achieving a 60-65% equity stake is pivotal not just for my personal valuation but also for aligning incentives towards a robust technological roadmap that underpins our future rounds of growth.

The equity distribution must reflect the reality that without the core algorithm, there would be no startup to discuss. While I value Carlos’s business expertise, the technical foundation I’ve created represents the irreplaceable cornerstone of our venture’s potential success.

---