A mistake most founders make is they want someone as motivated about their company as they are. But things have changed since even 15 years ago. Back then, the machinery for startups wasn't as available, so many people would work for someone else to do something.
As the machinery has become more available, all those highly motivated people would rather compete with you than work with you.
So founder-level motivation is only available if you give something else up: cash (as opposed to delayed equity), large amounts of equity (2% or more), desirable working environment (close to home, remote, etc) or something else they can't get and can't just get by competing instead.
But the most founder-level motivation guys will just start a competitor. That's life.
As the machinery has become more available, all those highly motivated people would rather compete with you than work with you.
So founder-level motivation is only available if you give something else up: cash (as opposed to delayed equity), large amounts of equity (2% or more), desirable working environment (close to home, remote, etc) or something else they can't get and can't just get by competing instead.
But the most founder-level motivation guys will just start a competitor. That's life.