I was 50/50 voting partners with a co-founder of my business. I am 22 years old and have never built a business but I came up with this incredible idea, wrote the original business plan, etc.
My reason for resignation was specifically because of the fact that I had been compelled (by way of my other cofounder threatening to leave if we didn't continue with his way) to make strategic decisions that (now that we weren't hitting major deadlines) were clearly not the right strategic decisions being made. And now that I want to resign for that reason, and we are trying to get it in writing that that is my reason for resignation, he is telling me that it cannot be my reason for resignation because he believes he will not get investors to be able to invest in the company (in order for the company to continue functioning) if my reason for resignation is a disagreement regarding the strategy that he threatened me to follow in the first place. So, should I be able to resign from a company for my own reasons for resignation?
You can quit from anything for any time for any reason. You, or other people reading who want to leave a similar arrangement, may have an operating agreement in place which describes what happens. You still have shares to deal with, for instance.
Next time, work out a way of dealing with people up front. That way, disputes will have a path to resolution instead of ending up in this emotional mess you're in.
The two of you sound like neither of you really understands business or how business ownership works. Is there value in this business? If there is, you should consider talking to an attorney to protect your rights and property.
Your co-founder's concern that nobody will fund the idea if you leave is less important than he believes. People make changes all the time. The question is: does the idea have life in it? If there's genuine value, your being there or not won't have much impact on funding decisions. Yes, founder credibility is important. But it's not the only thing, or the main thing.
You are way too wrapped up in this thing emotionally and my advice is that you find ways to disconnect yourself from it entirely (including ownership) ASAP.
No one can stop you from resigning. if they want you to resign for other reasons, they should pay you and reach a settlement agreement (which would cause you to resign for other reasons).
