We will be taking on angel money.. The partnership terms are still negotiable.
I don’t teach theory. Only what I survived.
My answer will:
1️⃣ Give you a clear path to finding consulting help for stock lending and custodian-side deals
2️⃣ Break down the key players and what kind of firms or freelancers actually handle this type of request
3️⃣ Highlight what the previous answers glossed over or made too generic — especially around how real decision-making power works when dilution, supermajority clauses, or board control come into play
✅ TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Owning 51% gives you control only on paper — until your legal docs or dilution say otherwise.
Before you take angel money, lock down:
✅ Voting rights by ownership class
✅ Supermajority clauses for key decisions
✅ Board composition
✅ Roles and responsibilities in writing
❌ Don’t rely on “I have 51%” — you can lose control overnight if it's not protected structurally.
🧠 Full Breakdown
1. The 51% Is Just the Beginning — Not a Guarantee
✅ Real control comes from:
Your Operating Agreement or Bylaws
Shareholder Agreements
Voting rights per share class
Control over the Board of Directors
❌ Without these in writing, your 51% can be meaningless the moment you raise money or face internal disputes.
⚖️ 2. What Everyone Misses About Raising Angel Money
Once capital comes in, your math — and your control — shifts.
✅ Angel investors often ask for:
Board seats or observer rights
Preferred shares with veto powers
Supermajority clauses that require 66–75% approval for key moves
Protective provisions over decisions like issuing new shares, selling the company, or raising more capital
❌ Example of what people miss:
You own 51% and raise $300K on a $2M pre-money cap. After dilution, you now hold ~44% — and if your agreements require 66% approval for key actions, you no longer have the power to move without partner and investor alignment.
3. What the Other Answers Glossed Over
❌ Most responses assume 51% = control. In reality:
Control often depends on governance structures, not ownership %
Dilution + poorly negotiated terms can override majority stakes
Investors often request veto rights or board-level influence that trumps equity share
✅ What needs to be in place before funding:
Documented roles (CEO, CFO, etc.) and who has decision rights
Clear list of decisions requiring mutual consent
Voting thresholds and board composition locked down in your agreements
Without these, you’re not the boss — you’re a stakeholder hoping for alignment.
🧭 Final Word
✅ 51% ownership can give you control — if you structure it right before raising
✅ Supermajority rules, investor terms, and board control can override your equity stake
✅ Protect yourself in writing, not just in theory
You didn’t come this far to hand over your company by accident. If you want the founder’s seat — not just the title — schedule a call.
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