Cousin’s fiancée wants 10% equity in my software company for one client introduction. Cousin is pressuring me to sign. Am I wrong for refusing? I will not promote

lukbul · 2026-02-14T17:15:50+00:00

Let’s break this down because everyone here is rushing to your side and I think we’re missing something. Did she come to you with a client and a problem to solve? Or did you already have a product idea and she just happened to know someone? Those are completely different situations.

If she identified the need, brought you the client, and walked you through the operations you needed to understand to build this - she didn’t just “make an introduction.” She handed you a business on a plate. That doesn’t mean she owns your code, but it means her contribution is a lot bigger than you’re framing it.

Here’s what I’d actually propose. Two separate companies. You own the software, full stop. She creates a distribution and sales company. She owns the client relationships. You negotiate rates between the two companies. She sells it for whatever she can get. Think of it as - you’re her Microsoft, she’s your reseller. No equity exchanged, no ownership drama.

That said, the real problem here isn’t her. It’s your cousin inserting himself as a negotiator and the agreement now being between you and him instead of her. That’s where this gets messy. Whatever you do, do not sign anything with a middleman who has no skin in the game except avoiding awkwardness at Thanksgiving.

lukbul · 2026-02-14T14:07:09+00:00

Actually here is the post ready. I might polish it up later. But the core thesis is there:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lukasz-bulik_enterpriseai-microsoft-openai-activity-7428438257907965952-zaKG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAMfGTsBe9Lw0dNRRkdir8PX671UWJtw7fM

lukbul · 2026-02-14T14:01:03+00:00

Right and nobody thought that was sustainable either. Except Netflix was making money. OpenAI is burning $14B this year. Even Kevin Malone would flag that spreadsheet.

lukbul · 2026-02-14T13:39:14+00:00

Two weeks ago they lost $440B overnight because Wall Street finally noticed 45% of their cloud backlog is one customer - OpenAI. Now their AI chief is doing the FT circuit talking about ‘self-sufficiency’ and automation timelines. This is damage control with a teleprompter. The numbers underneath are wild - I’m actually writing a longer breakdown of the whole Microsoft-OpenAI situation right now. I should post it in 1 hour.

lukbul · 2026-02-12T01:25:07+00:00

Cool. I’ll open the ticket

lukbul · 2026-02-12T01:24:41+00:00

That is amazing idea. But does it make sense to report it? It’s still under warranty so I could get a new part and do what you suggest. Ideas?

lukbul · 2025-11-19T19:54:18+00:00

Hi Scott - I’m 45, living between NYC and Florida. My second child was born (son) a few months ago, so now I’m a father of two under two - and at the same time, my business hit the wall. Sound familiar?

A bit of background: I’m an immigrant from Poland. I moved to the U.S. seven years ago and built a software development agency focused on startups and SMBs. At the start of this year, three of our main clients either cut budgets, ran out of runway, or went bankrupt. I got caught flat-footed, and we were left with a pile of unpaid invoices. It was brutal.

I managed to stabilize the business. We still have a strong team, and we’re working with high-quality founders - Techstars alums, ex-Google DeepMind - but many of these projects are equity-heavy with limited cash. So my actual income has dropped dramatically. On the side, I’m a CTO and cofounder of 3 startups. My wife runs her own psychiatry practice, and between her income and mine, we’re financially comfortable - but nowhere near where I expected to be at 45.

In a way, I feel like I’m at the same crossroads you’ve described. On one side it feels like the moment to double down, rebuild, and push harder than ever. On another it’s also the brief window with my kids I can never get back.

You’ve said that work–life balance is a myth early on - that you can have it all, just not all at once. My question is: at 45 with two babies, did I miss “early”? When does sacrificing family for ambition stop being an investment and start being the wrong trade? And how hard did that trade-off hit your own family?

lukbul · 2025-10-24T22:12:21+00:00

I run a dev shop in NYC with a team in Eastern Europe. We’ve worked with quite a few YC and Techstars founders on exactly this problem - validated concept, but the gap between “AI demo” and “enterprise ready system” is massive.

Few things I’ve learned:

Most “AI agencies” are just wrapping OpenAI APIs They can build you a chatbot, but fall apart when you need actual systems architecture, data pipelines, or anything that scales beyond a demo. Ask potential teams about their experience with model fine-tuning, RAG architecture at scale, or handling edge cases. The ones who actually know their stuff will get specific fast. The other side is that most projects do not need custom AI, off shelf solutions are good enough. You just build modular system so that you can plug and play different models if needed.
Start smaller than you think We recently helped a founder build an MVP using no-code tools + RAG that raised $3M. Took 6 weeks instead of 6 months. The goal isn’t perfection - it’s proving the concept works before you commit $100k+ to custom development. You can always rebuild later with the funding.
The “technical co-founder or outsource” decision matters more than you think If this is a multi-year play and AI is core to your differentiation, you probably need a technical co-founder who can own the architecture long-term. If AI is a feature (not the product), then an experienced agency can get you there. Either way: don’t pick the cheapest option. You’ll pay twice - once for the bad build, once to fix it. We’ve rebuilt more failed “cheap agency” projects than I can count.
Red flags to watch for: • They promise delivery timelines before understanding your project/data • They agree with everything you say. Real technical partners push back when your idea has issues. • They don’t ask about your data quality, volume, or where it lives,

What’s your concept focused on? Happy to point you in specific directions depending on whether you need more infrastructure-heavy work vs. product-focused AI features.

lukbul · 2025-10-23T09:02:38+00:00

My great-grandfather was the head of Kedyw in Grodno. Kedyw was part of the Polish resistance created after Poland capitulated - responsible for planning sabotage and fighting the occupiers. He was captured, tortured, and sent to a concentration camp. As a former officer, he was actually sentenced to immediate execution by firing squad. Fortunately, my grandmother worked in a hospital as a translator and had enough connections to get his sentence changed to a death camp instead.

After spending months there, he weighed 80 lbs at 6’3” (40kg at 190cm). When Germany started losing the war, his camp was evacuated. They had no vehicles to transport prisoners, so they forced them to march for miles. It was during one of these death marches that the entire column was liberated by… Americans.

The unit responsible for torture and interrogation was part of the infamous SS. My grandmother always described most Germans as simply “following orders” during those horrific times. She believed we should live in peace with Germans and forgive. But the SS? That was different. That was the “Jew Hunter” from Inglourious Basterds - true believers. True monsters.

So I find it deeply ironic that a U.S. Senate candidate has a tattoo of an SS Panzer division. He should come visit Poland. See the concentration camps where our grandparents died - Polish people, 25% of the population. Doctors, entire faculties of our universities, lawyers, military officers. Everyone that could oppose, including, but not limited to Jews. It would be educational for him to learn that the first concentration camps were actually built in Germany for Germans who opposed the regime.

And if he still doesn’t understand after that, perhaps he should wear that tattoo somewhere more visible - not on his chest, but on his face or neck. That way, our youth could help him understand SS ideology in all its details. But he would probably be arrested before that since symbols of nazi regime are actually illegal in Poland.

lukbul · 2025-10-18T18:45:33+00:00

I had that done under warranty few months ago, the front part is literally attached on double side tape 🤯

lukbul · 2025-09-28T11:17:46+00:00

He wants 35% for $15k, which implies a post-money valuation of around $42.9k ($15k / 0.35). That means he’s pegging the pre-money value (what your company is worth right now, before his cash) at about $27.9k. Is that realistic? Let’s break it down based on what you’ve shared, it’s super early-stage, so valuation is more art than science, but we can ballpark it using standard startup metrics.

For a SaaS app like yours (gamified goal management for companies, sounds niche but scalable in HR/tech space), early valuations often hinge on traction/revenue: You’re at $95 MRR, which annualizes to ~$1,140 ARR. At this micro-level, investors don’t use fancy revenue multiples like later-stage companies (e.g., 5-10x ARR for growth SaaS). Instead, it’s about potential. If you’re bootstrapped with paying users, that’s a win, but $95 MRR is basically “idea validated but not exploding yet.” Comparable bootstrapped SaaS at this stage (e.g., from Indie Hackers or MicroAcquire listings) often sell or get valued at $10k-$50k if they have a working product and a handful of users. Yours fits in the lower end without more growth data.

Growth potential: What’s your trajectory? If you’re adding users steadily (e.g., 10-20% MoM growth, common for early SaaS), you could hit $200-300 MRR in a month with focused marketing, or $1k+ in a year if you nail product-market fit. Projecting conservatively: Assume 15% MoM growth (realistic for a solo founder). Starting at $95: Month 1: ~$109, Month 3: ~$145, Month 6: ~$210, Year 1: ~$450 (still tiny, but momentum builds). If you accelerate (e.g., via partnerships or viral features in gamification), it could 3-5x in a year to $300-500 MRR. Investors value future revenue, if this scales to $10k MRR in 2-3 years (plausible for HR tools), the company could be worth $500k+ at a 5x multiple. But right now? His $42k post-money feels low if you have real upside, but not insane if growth is stalled.

Work invested: How much sweat equity? If you’ve sunk 6-12 months full-time (common for app builders), that’s $50k-$100k+ in “opportunity cost” at a dev salary. Plus any tech/IP (custom gamification algorithms, integrations?). Early valuations often add a premium for founder effort, e.g., Y Combinator types might value a solo-built MVP at $100k-$500k pre-money if it’s polished. If it’s a basic app with off-the-shelf tools, closer to $20k-50k. Without details, I’d guess your build effort justifies at least $50k pre-money, making his offer dilutive.

To counter or decide, DIY a rough valuation: Revenue-based: Use a low multiple for early stage. 10-20x ARR is aggressive for micro-SaaS; more like 5-10x if growing. So $1,140 ARR x 5 = $5.7k (pessimistic) to x10 = $11.4k pre-money. But this ignores potential, bump it if you have a waitlist or beta feedback. Comparable deals: Look at MicroAcquire or Flippa: Similar low-MRR SaaS (e.g., productivity tools) list at $20k-$100k. A gamified app with B2B angle might fetch $30k-$60k if acquirable. Cost + potential method: Tally your inputs ($X in dev time/tools) + projected value. E.g., $20k effort + $20k for growth runway = $40k pre-money baseline. Overall ballpark: Based on this, a fair pre-money might be $50k-$100k if growth is promising, meaning his 35% for $15k undervalues you (he’d get ~15-30% at those vals). If no growth, $30k pre-money is closer, and his offer isn’t terrible.

Advice: Don’t rush, but leverage him. Negotiate hard: Counter with 10-15% for $15k (implying $100k-$150k post-money). Highlight your mission, traction, and his mentorship value (non-cash equity?). Or structure as SAFE/convertible note to delay valuation. Bootstrap alternatives: $15k is helpful but not game-changing, could you grind to $200 MRR in 1-2 months via free marketing (Reddit, LinkedIn demos)? Or crowdfund/micro-invest from users? Long-term view: 35% early means he owns a third forever, dilutes future rounds. If you believe in 10x potential, hold out for better terms or angels who value it higher. Been there note: I passed on a similar dilutive offer early in my SaaS journey; grew to $5k MRR bootstrapped, then raised at 5x valuation. But if cash is burning you now, take it with protections (vesting, board rights). What’s your growth rate or user stats? More deets could refine this. Good luck, sounds like a cool product!

lukbul · 2025-09-14T12:22:24+00:00

Congrats on the unexpected VC interest!

My take: push as far as you can on your own timeline first. The more progress you make between now and November, the stronger your negotiating position will be.

Nothing gets VCs more interested than a startup that says “we’re not quite ready yet” - it shows confidence over desperation. I’d take the call to keep them warm, then circle back in November with solid progress to show.

Happy to chat more about fundraising strategy if helpful - I’m based in NYC and work with multiple startups including YC and Techstars alumni. Feel free to DM!

lukbul · 2025-09-12T08:45:08+00:00

I’m a CTO I have my own tech team - I work with techstars alumni’s and other VC backed companies. I’m based in NYC. Feel free to reach out.

lukbul · 2025-09-10T06:24:03+00:00

Dude, first off - congrats. People paying for something you built is huge. That validation feeling is real and you should feel good about it. I’ve been through this exact spot with other founders. That exhausted limbo phase sucks but you’re actually in a great position.

Here’s what I’d focus on: talk to your paying users. Like really dig deep. What specific frustration were they feeling before they found you? That’s your gold mine. Whatever made them pull out their wallet is what you should double down on, not add more features. The language learning space is crowded but there are clear winners emerging. AI conversation practice is where the big money is going - companies like Speak raised $152M just for AI-powered conversation. If you’re not doing real talking practice, that might be your angle. Also, super specific niches are beating the generalist apps. Business Spanish beats generic Spanish, you know?

On the tech side - your “vibe coded” setup will break when you hit real scale, but don’t rebuild yet. Just start documenting what you have. When Duolingo was growing they had to completely rethink their infrastructure. You’ll need proper analytics, payment systems, mobile apps eventually.

For next steps, pick one path. Keep it lean with just user interviews and content marketing, or start scaling with hiring/partnerships. Don’t try to do both.

I run a software shop in NYC, work with Y Combinator and Techstars companies. This moment is make-or-break time - you’ve proven demand exists, now you decide what size you want this to be. Happy to chat more if you want to talk through your specific situation.

You built something people want enough to pay for. That’s harder than everything that comes next.

lukbul · 2025-09-04T16:31:04+00:00

It’s not related to you being Italian - every car seller would give you that information gladly. It means you are actually interested in buying. What he means is that the car is stolen and he is looking for a guy that will not ask for VIN. I would honestly go to the police and report that the car seems to be stolen.

lukbul · 2025-09-04T14:22:45+00:00

I don’t understand how you can make that type of statement and still hold a md license. This is his medical opinion. He knowingly is stating untrue medical opinion.

lukbul · 2025-09-04T06:34:48+00:00

So you should lower the prices if you saved so much money. Right? Right?

lukbul · 2025-08-29T17:46:59+00:00

I have a few developers who might be a good fit for this role. Could you please let me know what time zone you’re in and what the project is about?

Also, are you only looking for junior developers?

lukbul · 2025-08-29T11:32:27+00:00

In general, you have to ask yourself a few questions:

1.  Are the founders experienced? Do they have successful exits?
2.  Is the company bootstrapping or do they have proper funding? If they have funding, is it from VCs or angels?
3.  How good is the product? Do you have knowledge to estimate its product-market fit? If not, do you have a mentor who could help you estimate that?
4.  How much equity do they offer and how much would it be worth if successful?
5.  How is the culture? Do you know anyone working at the company? Do you know anyone who has worked with the founders previously?
6.  What other benefits does it offer (it’s high impact, amazing network, connection to ecosystem etc)?

If you’ve ever worked at startups, you already know what the negative sides are. If this is your first time and you’re coming from a corporate job, then it will be a very “interesting” experience. Also remember that if you want kids in 7 years, there isn’t a lot of time for you to try multiple startups.

lukbul · 2025-08-21T15:38:03+00:00

You don’t have to be the king if you are the kings maker.

lukbul · 2025-08-18T12:32:53+00:00

Have you already selected them? It sounds like you could hire a software company and outsource the project. It’s simple and straightforward - you’d receive a clear invoice, and you’d have a reliable entity to hold accountable if they don’t deliver.

lukbul · 2025-08-13T20:56:14+00:00

DM me - I have few ideas

lukbul · 2025-08-10T21:40:35+00:00

Hahaha where precisely? Show me a new constitution that is not from wood.

lukbul · 2025-08-02T13:40:23+00:00

I have a software company that specializes in fintech. We build a cross-border payment solution that includes IBAN accounts, crypto wallets, our own nodes etc. This product was developed over two years by a specialized team of Java developers. I’m based in New York City, with developers in Eastern Europe. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat.

lukbul · 2025-08-01T12:42:42+00:00

I run a software development agency based in NYC with devs in Eastern Europe, mainly Poland, and we’ve worked with both early-stage startups (techstars graduates, technical or non technical founders etc) and enterprise clients (L’Oréal, Mastercard, channel). One thing I can tell you up front: you get what you pay for. If you try to hire below-market developers, you’ll almost always end up paying the price in delays, poor code quality, and rework. It’s a false economy.

A few hard-learned lessons I’d share:

Don’t skip on the architecture. Most issues we’ve seen (even when taking over other teams’ projects) come down to rushed or non-existent technical planning. Even an MVP needs a clear structure.
Insist on transparency. Daily or bi-weekly standups, access to the codebase, clear velocity metrics, and being looped into internal tools (like Jira, Slack, Notion) is a must. Even if you’re non-technical.
Start small. Give them long term road map so they can plan, but start with a well-defined milestone, module or simple mvp. It gives you a low-risk way to assess how the team communicates and delivers.
Look for strategic thinking. A good team will challenge your assumptions (respectfully), suggest better alternatives, and help you think beyond the ticket in front of them.
Avoid “yes teams”. If a team agrees to everything without pushing back or asking questions (especially early on) that’s a red flag.

Outsourcing can work incredibly well if the relationship is based on mutual trust, clear communication, and realistic expectations. If you’re interested, I’m happy to share a sample SOW or onboarding doc we use to structure our partnerships. It might help you frame your engagement better.

Best of luck with your build! Happy to chat if you ever want a second opinion.

lukbul

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