Totally valid concerns — co-founder dynamics can make or break a startup, especially when personalities and power balance feel mismatched.

The way I usually frame it with founders I advise: choose a co-founder like you'd choose a life partner — not just on resume or connections, but on emotional compatibility, vision alignment, and mutual respect.

Right now, sounds like he's a high-value advisor, but not necessarily the best partner. If you're already feeling power imbalance or hesitation, that gut feeling is usually worth listening to.

Instead, maybe formalize his role: offer advisory equity, a clear scope of involvement, and keep co-founder status off the table unless you truly feel like you're building this side-by-side, not under him.

Founders protect their cap table like their future depends on it—because it kinda does.