started a company developing AI receptionists that integrate with CRM systems. I’ve built the product and almost finished with the agents but haven’t landed clients yet. One of my good friends works at a major telesales company with 5 smaller companies and has a connection with one of the decision-makers. I asked him to introduce me, and after seeing the demo, he got excited and showed it to the decision-maker, who was impressed. he’s introduced it as "our product" even though I never asked him to, which kind of throwed me off. now a pitch is possibly on the table with one of their decision makersI offered him 25% of the profits from the deal we’re working on, thinking 15% is a standard finder's fee, plus 10% as a bonus out of appreciation. But now he’s saying that’s not enough. He wants a share of profits from all the companies under his employer’s umbrella (5 different companies). he thinks once we intergrate the product in one of them all of the companies will want it. i don’t mind paying him fairly, but I don’t know if it’s reasonable to give him a stake in all these companies. he doesn't want to schedule the pitch once we come to an agreement we both are happy with. what’s the best way to structure his compensation? would love advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. i felt 25% was a lot considering i made the website, demo (weeks of knowledge), seo, also long term lead strategy which i'm planning through mass outreach.the client would be his current employer, which could be massive. i've lived in poverty my whole life, this might be my exit. what is wise here
ai phone agents to be exact. optimized for my native language
>>59412682He's trying to ride on your hard work. What do you even need him for other than the connections? You can probably dig up the contacts yourself. Tell him 25% on the first deal is your offer. Don't be afraid to wall away from him. Sounds like he brings nothing to the table.
>>59412682the client being his current employer could be a liability for you anon. give him a one time finders fee but absolutely do not make him a partner. it can't be his product cause that potentially makes it his companies product... at least in the US.
>>59412708thank you anon>>59412738im in europe. but yeah i'll make sure to tell him its my product/idea
>>59412998like other anon said sounds like he is profitting from you, but if he has connections and is able to introduce you to big markets where you'll make big money think about it twice. However this is a negotiation and like an idiot you started with a high number 25% so now he wants more. Should have started with 10 then agreed to 15ngmi
>>59413070honestly youre right ngmi. im treating this more as a friend to friend thing, he wants to treat it more business like. if i was in his shoes i'd do it for free just to see my good friend do good. was just trying to help him out. will reevaluate friendship after this though
Tell him he's a salesperson, not a swindler nor a developer. Part of being a buisness owner is not just being a business, but having the mineset of putting others back in their lane when little nibbas try to eat your lunch.Grow a spine.
>>59412682>25% of the profitsThat reminds me of "Hollywood accounting", where film-making companies somehow never make a dime in profit as all the revenue gets eaten up by a web of incestuously interconnected companies overcharging their services, resulting in naive actors never getting anything from their seemingly generous profit-sharing contracts.Not that you should do that. It's a game that requires solid lawyers and shady accountants to play. But it reminded me of it.
