====== Dynamic Equity Pricing for Non-Monetary Contributions ======

Dynamic Equity Pricing for non-monetary contributions focuses on assigning fair value to efforts, skills, intellectual property, and other intangible inputs that participants bring to a business. Instead of monetary equivalence, this approach relies on measurable, non-monetary methods of assessment.

===== 1. Define Non-Monetary Contributions =====
Identify types of non-monetary contributions, such as:
  * **Time and Effort**: Hours worked, tasks completed, or milestones achieved.
  * **Skills and Expertise**: Specialized knowledge or technical abilities.
  * **Intellectual Property**: Patents, proprietary technology, or creative designs.
  * **Networks and Relationships**: Strategic partnerships, introductions, or client leads.
  * **Reputation and Branding**: Leveraging personal or professional influence for the company’s growth.

===== 2. Measurement Methods =====
Contributions are measured using non-monetary approaches, including:

==== a) Point-Based System ====
  * Assign points based on effort, impact, or importance.
    - Example: Completing a major feature = 50 points, client introduction = 20 points.
  * Define categories:
    - **Effort Points**: Number of hours worked (e.g., 1 point/hour).
    - **Impact Points**: Measured outcomes (e.g., 10 points for securing a major client).

==== b) Contribution Slices ====
  * Use "slices" to represent relative contributions over time.
  * Example: Total slices contributed by all participants = 1,000. If a person earns 100 slices, they own 10% of the equity.

==== c) Milestone-Based System ====
  * Award contributions when specific milestones are reached.
    - **Product Development**: Completing a prototype.
    - **Business Growth**: Securing an investment or partnership.

==== d) Impact Scoring ====
  * Score contributions based on measurable outcomes:
    - **High Impact**: 10 points.
    - **Moderate Impact**: 5 points.
    - **Low Impact**: 1 point.

==== e) Relative Weighting ====
  * Assign weights to tasks or roles based on their importance:
    - Example: Coding = 3x weight, administrative tasks = 1x weight.


===== 3. Dynamic Recalculation of Equity =====
Ownership percentages are recalculated periodically to reflect contributions:

  * Formula:  


**Ownership % = (Contributor’s Total Contribution) ÷ (Total Contributions of All Participants)**

**Example Calculation**:  

  * Contributor A: 200 points.  
  * Contributor B: 300 points.  
  * Contributor C: 500 points.  


  * Total Contributions = 1,000 points.  
    - Contributor A: **200 ÷ 1,000 = 20%**.  
    - Contributor B: **300 ÷ 1,000 = 30%**.  
    - Contributor C: **500 ÷ 1,000 = 50%**.

===== 4. Tools for Implementation =====
Use tools to track and manage contributions:
  * **Tracking Software**: Tools like Clockify or Toggl for time contributions.
  * **Equity Management Platforms**: Platforms like Slicing Pie or Cap Table tools.
  * **Collaboration Systems**: Spreadsheets or tools like Notion for real-time updates.

===== 5. Benefits and Challenges =====

==== Benefits ====
  * Encourages ongoing contributions by adjusting equity dynamically.
  * Recognizes the value of intangible assets and effort.
  * Builds fairness and transparency among team members.

==== Challenges ====
  * Subjectivity in valuing non-monetary contributions.
  * Requires continuous tracking and recalibration.
  * Potential for disputes over perceived contribution value.

===== Example =====
A startup has three founders with the following contributions:
  * Founder A: Developed the prototype (200 points).  
  * Founder B: Secured a key investor (150 points).  
  * Founder C: Built branding and marketing strategy (100 points).  

**Total Points = 450**  
  - Founder A: **200 ÷ 450 = 44.4%**.  
  - Founder B: **150 ÷ 450 = 33.3%**.  
  - Founder C: **100 ÷ 450 = 22.2%**.

This ensures that contributions are fairly valued and equity is distributed proportionally.